I asked strangers to let me grow flowers in their yards, and 40 people said yes. I turned their kindness into a business.

Marisa Mender-Franklin had 40 people reach out, letting her use their yards to grow flowers. Courtesy of Marisa Mender-Franklin Marisa Mender-Franklin launched a flower business using yard space donated by neighbors. A Facebook post drew 40 offers of free land to grow flowers. Her business now operates across multiple properties and employs several people. This as-told-to essay is based on a conversation with Marisa Mender-Franklin, founder of Midtown Bramble & Bloom. It has been edited for...