Florist's collaboration with Bulls' Derrick Rose blossoms into success on Chicago's State Street

In the heart of Chicago, where history meets modern artistry, one man has found a way to let beauty flourish in the most unexpected places.

His floral arrangements even caught the attention of Chicago Bulls' legend Derrick Rose.

The backstory:

John Caleb Pendleton, 32, is a self-taught florist from Alabama.

He took root in Chicago during college. After working with youth seven years ago, he decided to let his passion blossom, launching Planks & Pistils, a Chicago-based floral studio.

Days before Christmas 2024, his career reached full bloom with just one phone call.

Pop-up Flower Shop:

Pendleton was tapped to spearhead a unique endeavor earlier this month, transforming 350 North State Street into a pop-up flower shop – a vision from Rose.

The goal? To give fans their flowers, quite literally, for their unwavering support.

Thousands lined up outside Rose's Flower Shop on Jan. 1, their anticipation blooming as they waited.

The shop was open for just one day only and operated from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. There were also delivery options available for customers.

What they're saying:

"It was at least 2,200 roses alone – just roses. And then, there was a hundred bunches of babies breath, which means I was 1,000 stems of baby's breath and then there were other flowers, of course, that we use in the different installations and design," said Pendleton.

"The biggest thing that has changed for me is just like, my level of confidence that, John, you are doing something right," he added.

What's next:

To kick off Black History Month on Feb. 1, Pendleton will be on Michigan Avenue again, decorating and honoring Jean Baptiste Point du Sable.

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