Alright – so today we’ve got the honor of introducing you to Samone Dowdy. We think you’ll enjoy our conversation, we’ve shared it below.

Alright, Samone thanks for taking the time to share your stories and insights with us today. What do you think it takes to be successful?

If I’ve learned anything on this journey, it’s that success doesn’t happen by accident. For me, it comes down to three things: trust, support, and love.

Trust is about having the strength to believe in your vision—especially when others don’t fully see it yet. It’s having the courage to move forward with an idea even when feedback or fear tries to pull you back. For me, starting Gleam Design Co. required a deep trust in myself and in the belief that the vision I had wasn’t just for me—it would speak to others too. I had to trust that the experiences I wanted to create through flowers would matter.

But belief alone isn’t enough. We all need people—

Support is everything.

When I tell you the support I’ve received is endless—I truly mean it. One of my closest friends has spent countless hours simply listening—to my ideas, my dreams, and my hopes for what this could become. She continues to be that solid support to this day. She’s held space for every high and every doubt. Another friend, who now lives in New York, quite literally exhausted herself running around town helping Gleam gather buckets, supplies, and transport before an huge event—no task too small or inconvenient.

I’ve had friends rally with me for days on end, cleaning flower stems and hauling materials, all without a single complaint. Not because they had to, but because they believed in Gleam and the vision of what was being built. Family members and friends have traveled from other cities to show up for events, anything and everything Gleam needed all out of love.

No matter what kind of business you’re building, you need a circle that will hold you up—physically, emotionally, spiritually. Because success is never a solo act. It’s a community effort.

Love is the final piece.
Love for yourself—knowing who you are and letting that shine through in your business. Love for the people who support you—continuing to nurture those relationships. And love for your customers—caring deeply about their experience and creating something that feels joyful and intentional. At Gleam Design Co., we don’t just run classes—we create uplifting, energetic experiences where people can come as they are and leave feeling a little lighter. People laugh, they bond, they create something beautiful with their hands. That’s the love we pour into every detail.

It’s about impact, connection, and the energy people carry with them when they walk away from something you created. If they leave with more joy, more light, and a sense that they were truly seen—that’s success.

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers.

Hi! I’m Samone Dowdy, founder of Gleam Design Co., a floral experience company based in Charlotte, North Carolina. And let me be clear—we’re not just flowers. We’re flowers and a freakin’ good time. Our name, Gleam, means a shining light or burst of energy—and that’s exactly what we bring into every space, class, or event we touch.

At Gleam, we specialize in creating floral-centered experiences that are all about joy, energy, and human connection. Whether it’s our signature Sip and Assemble floral classes, interactive flower bars for large-scale and corporate events, or creative activations for community gatherings, our mission is the same: to make people feel lighter, more connected, and like they just had the best time with friends—even if they came solo.

Our Sip and Assemble classes are truly one of a kind. They’re vibrant, welcoming, and filled with good vibes—from the music and games to the atmosphere we intentionally create so people feel at ease. We’ve seen strangers leave as friends, people who came in stressed leave smiling, and customers who return again and again just to tap into that energy. We set the tone so people can relax, open up, and enjoy something creative and joyful.

We also provide flower bar rentals for corporate events, brand activations, and major public gatherings. These aren’t just about beautiful florals (though trust, they are)—they’re about adding a spark of joy to whatever a company or community is celebrating.

A little about me: I spent many years working in accounting and finance. After facing a tough layoff, I was at a crossroads. That’s when I decided to lean into something that genuinely made me feel alive: floral design. I started learning, experimenting, and eventually launched Gleam with the belief that flowers—and the experiences we create around them—could actually be a form of wellness and celebration.

What I’m most proud of? The way people feel when they leave one of our classes. The hugs, the laughs, the “I didn’t expect to have this much fun” reactions. Our events are about so much more than arrangements—they’re about creating moments where people feel seen, connected, and inspired.

If you’re new to us, here’s what I want you to know:
We’re here to help you lighten your load and lift your spirits. Whether you’re planning a team outing, looking for a unique self-care experience, or hosting an event that needs a joyful spark—Gleam is here to bring the energy. Good music, good people, and gorgeous flowers? You’re in the right place.

How’d you meet your business partner?

Keyona and I first met years ago through a deeply loved mutual friend — someone who’s still a big part of both our lives today. She’s one of those rare, phenomenal people who just knows how to bring good energy and great people together. And that’s exactly what happened.

Keyona and I didn’t become close right away. It wasn’t until just before the pandemic, when we happened to be living near each other, that our bond really began to grow. That time in our lives was a growth spurt for both of us — in different ways. It wasn’t always easy. I was learning some major life lessons about communication, patience, and empathy, and those just so happened to be some of Keyona’s greatest strengths.

Even through the rocky moments, I found myself drawing from her example — from the way she led with understanding and care. Those are the same qualities she brings to Gleam every single day: incredible attention to detail, deep empathy, and a calm, grounding presence.

Through those ups and downs, we built something solid — a friendship rooted in honest communication, mutual respect, and an ability to truly see each other. So when the time came to build Gleam together, the transition felt natural. What holds Gleam steady is the love and trust at the core of our friendship. That’s the energy we bring to every event, every workshop, every moment of joy we get to create with and for others.

Gleam is built on a foundation of love — for what we do, for the people we serve, and for the friendship that started it all.

Any advice for managing a team?

Be humble. Be a good listener. Share what you know. Treat people the way you would like to be treated.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.gleamdesignco.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gleam.clt/
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/gleam-design-co-charlotte-2

Image Credits

Morgan Masson @cosmicalflow on IG