Flowers symbolize many things – love, remembrance, gratitude, friendship. Regardless of whether you purchase them or receive them, there is no denying their unique ability to uplift and unite. MMAC member Flowers for Dreams is tapping into this power through its giving-focused business model.  

Launched in 2012 by co-founders Steven Dyme and Jo Dickstein, Flowers for Dreams is a local florist that proudly donates 25% of its net profits to local charities. The business started in Chicago, and its quick success paved the way for additional locations across the Midwest. The company made its Milwaukee debut in 2017. 

“We saw Milwaukee as the strongest fit for our first ‘satellite’ studio due to its proximity to our Chicago HQ. We drive a weekly linehaul to and from Chi/MKE, which immensely helps share hard goods and rental pieces during wedding and event season. Another reason was that a surprisingly large portion of our team was from Milwaukee and other parts of Wisconsin, and they already had established relationships,” said Flowers for Dreams Design and Marketing Director Lindsay Leinenkugel.  

Today, the Milwaukee studio caters to all types of community needs, including weddings, corporate events, gift subscriptions, workshops and more. Money donated through each purchase is properly distributed to local charities by the Flowers for Dreams Foundation. Each year, the foundation board votes on a “theme” to focus the organization’s efforts on. The causes change quarterly.  In 2025, the foundation’s causes included “Protecting Immigrant Families,” “Caring for Mental Health,” “Food Access and Agriculture” and “Mutual Aid is Caring for Community.” 

Since 2012, Flowers for Dreams has donated $1,809,289 to a diverse range of charities, making a powerful difference in the lives of our neighbors. 

Through strong relationships with community members and local businesses, Flowers for Dreams can continue to share its why. A great example of this was a partnership between Flowers for Dreams and MMAC members Make-A-Wish Wisconsin and the Milwaukee Public Market. Hosted as an event within the market, attendees constructed mini bouquets and wrote cards that were later delivered to kids with critical illnesses.  

Flowers for Dreams’ impact will continue to spread as the organization recently announced its role as the official floral partner of Baird and the Wisconsin Center District. 

“Milwaukee is called ‘smallwaukee’ for a reason! The community and business sector in our city are already so connected. Strengthening our relationships across the community and businesses is important to us and our impact because it’s how we find out what truly matters most to our customers. Which charities they want to support, which other small local businesses they shop at, which galas they’re attending, etc. It’s all so intertwined,” said Leinenkugel.  

In a few short months, the florist will host its second-annual Milwaukee Flowers Festival and Makers Market at the Ivy House, slated for Aug. 23. Attendees can pick stems from local farmers to construct bouquets, as well as make purchases from a variety of local vendors.  

To learn more about Flowers for Dreams, visit https://flowersfordreams.com/

Use MMAC member discount code MMAC26 to receive 10% off all website products.