How has Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market thrived for 40 years? The answer: With creations that are classic, yet edgy.

Dorothy Sarris McDaniel was born and raised in Birmingham. While first working as a criminologist and part-time sociology professor at the University of Alabama at Birmingham (UAB), her passion for fresh-cut flower arranging soon made her realize she should start her own business in the hopes of doing something for a living that she truly loved.

In 1977, Dorothy McDaniel first set up her shop in a tiny refurbished boutique house in Homewood. Taking up a minimal 12 x 12 feet, Dorothy set up the space with a Pepsi-Cola cooler, a wooden table, and a few gift items. On just a hope and a dream, Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market became a huge success, and continues to be an huge influencer in the Greater Birmingham area.

“We are now serving many third generation customers with great joy and pride,” said Dorothy.

Before the boom in Birmingham’s south side, Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market moved to the area to occupy a building space of 6500 square feet – a huge leap from the small room the business started out in.

Over the past 40 years, Dorothy has traveled the country to speak and demonstrate the art of flower design.

“One of my greatest pleasures is teaching others, to appreciate the vast scope of flowers available to the consumer today, how to care for them and create attractive designs,” said Dorothy.

Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market offers everything from simple bouquets to elaborate arrangements for individuals, businesses and non-profits. They also create special designs for weddings and other events, including corporate events, rehearsal dinners, anniversary parties, bar and bat mitzvahs, graduations, and charity galas.

Dorothy’s designs have been featured in countless publications, including Southern Living, Southern Accents, Floral Virtuoso, Alabama Magazine: Bridal Edition, and Creative Ideas for Living. She has also been voted Best Florist in Birmingham several years running. She was most recently named one of the Women Who Shape the State by Birmingham Magazine.

To celebrate an outstanding 40 years in business, Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market is hosting a week-long holiday open house from November 6^th – 11^th. Stop by the shop to witness festive holiday displays, munch on hors d’oeuvres, receive special deals on merchandise, and to be entered into drawings to win premium flower arrangements.

Dorothy McDaniel’s Flower Market

3300 3^rd Ave South

Birmingham, AL 35222

Event Hours:

M, W, Th, F: 8 a.m. – 5 p.m.

T: 8 a.m. – 7 p.m.