OUR STORY
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In 2014 Stephanie McCoy, founder of ZoZis, had been teaching ninth grade students for a few years about how many people live without things we take for granted: human rights, clean water, food, education, clothing, etc. The students were supposed to research one of these areas, create an explanatory text, and plan an event to help teach people about these issues. Bake sales, t-shirt sales, and a plethora of events transpired that got students motivated to make a difference in the world.
That's all it was until one student wasn't satisfied. She wanted more. Her name was Megan.
Megan came to Mrs. McCoy uneasy about everything she had learned. It's not fair that people are dying for lack of water, that some kids can't go to school, and that girls are sold for sex. She asked for something else she could do. Twice. After that second time, Stephanie knew she had to find a long term project. She couldn't bear the thought of letting Megan's passion for difference-making die.
So ZoZis was born. And then Megan unexpectedly died.
Flowers are such a thing of beauty. They radiate joy to all in their presence. Like flowers, life fades quickly, but that doesn't make them any less precious.
It seems strange to use such a happy thing to fight something as atrocious as slavery. But we believe there is hope. Being free to smile and pick flowers is what all of us deserve. And we can make that happen. One person at a time.
It's been quite a journey getting to where we are. A teacher and some ninth graders set out to change the world, honoring Megan's life in the process. None of us knew what we were doing at first, but we have learned so much. At first we grew flowers from seed in the greenhouse located at another school within our district. We then transplanted flowers into gardens. To supplement the flowers we grew ourselves, we gathered flowers from wild settings or used donated flowers from community members. We sold our arrangements at the farmers' markets and a 5k.
After our first year we were unable to use the greenhouse, but gained access to a great facility for storing supplies. We continued to sell flowers from our own gardens at farmers' markets and began to use a wholesale company as our supplier for creating corsages and boutonnieres for our school's Homecoming and prom.
Then one Saturday morning at a market, we were approached by someone who was needing help figuring out what to do to save money on flowers for her large wedding. We enthusiastically agreed to help! That was our first step into the world of wedding flowers, and we haven't looked back :)
Now Stephanie has resigned from teaching to be home with her family, but she couldn't let ZoZis die. One of the original students, the beautiful Emma Hlad, continued to stay involved each step of the journey. Stephanie and Emma decided that ZoZis could survive outside of a school club setting. We are now an official LLC and have many dreams for the future. Thanks for being part of this amazing adventure with us!
In 2014 Stephanie McCoy, founder of ZoZis, had been teaching ninth grade students for a few years about how many people live without things we take for granted: human rights, clean water, food, education, clothing, etc. The students were supposed to research one of these areas, create an explanatory text, and plan an event to help teach people about these issues. Bake sales, t-shirt sales, and a plethora of events transpired that got students motivated to make a difference in the world.
That's all it was until one student wasn't satisfied. She wanted more. Her name was Megan.
Megan came to Mrs. McCoy uneasy about everything she had learned. It's not fair that people are dying for lack of water, that some kids can't go to school, and that girls are sold for sex. She asked for something else she could do. Twice. After that second time, Stephanie knew she had to find a long term project. She couldn't bear the thought of letting Megan's passion for difference-making die.
So ZoZis was born. And then Megan unexpectedly died.
Flowers are such a thing of beauty. They radiate joy to all in their presence. Like flowers, life fades quickly, but that doesn't make them any less precious.
It seems strange to use such a happy thing to fight something as atrocious as slavery. But we believe there is hope. Being free to smile and pick flowers is what all of us deserve. And we can make that happen. One person at a time.
It's been quite a journey getting to where we are. A teacher and some ninth graders set out to change the world, honoring Megan's life in the process. None of us knew what we were doing at first, but we have learned so much. At first we grew flowers from seed in the greenhouse located at another school within our district. We then transplanted flowers into gardens. To supplement the flowers we grew ourselves, we gathered flowers from wild settings or used donated flowers from community members. We sold our arrangements at the farmers' markets and a 5k.
After our first year we were unable to use the greenhouse, but gained access to a great facility for storing supplies. We continued to sell flowers from our own gardens at farmers' markets and began to use a wholesale company as our supplier for creating corsages and boutonnieres for our school's Homecoming and prom.
Then one Saturday morning at a market, we were approached by someone who was needing help figuring out what to do to save money on flowers for her large wedding. We enthusiastically agreed to help! That was our first step into the world of wedding flowers, and we haven't looked back :)
Now Stephanie has resigned from teaching to be home with her family, but she couldn't let ZoZis die. One of the original students, the beautiful Emma Hlad, continued to stay involved each step of the journey. Stephanie and Emma decided that ZoZis could survive outside of a school club setting. We are now an official LLC and have many dreams for the future. Thanks for being part of this amazing adventure with us!
Our Giving
We commit to donating 50% of our profits to organizations in Ohio fighting human trafficking.
So far we have donated $3,000 to two organizations: Shadow on the Heartland and The Freeman Project. We are planning to donate another $4,000 fall 2019.
Since we first got started, we wanted people in our neighborhoods, in our classes, and in our towns, to know that they are loved, they matter, and whatever they are going through, there is hope. After we have sold flowers at the market or an event, we try to take the leftovers to someone in need of a smile. We have walked around town with flowers looking for those who could use a friendly smile and gone to the hospital, nursing home, and local businesses cheering people up. If you can think of anyone who might need some beauty and encouragement, please send us an email and we will try to send some their way.
So far we have donated $3,000 to two organizations: Shadow on the Heartland and The Freeman Project. We are planning to donate another $4,000 fall 2019.
Since we first got started, we wanted people in our neighborhoods, in our classes, and in our towns, to know that they are loved, they matter, and whatever they are going through, there is hope. After we have sold flowers at the market or an event, we try to take the leftovers to someone in need of a smile. We have walked around town with flowers looking for those who could use a friendly smile and gone to the hospital, nursing home, and local businesses cheering people up. If you can think of anyone who might need some beauty and encouragement, please send us an email and we will try to send some their way.
Highlights from the journey
Summer 2016
Spring 2016
We applied for a grant through Ohio Children's Trust Fund and were awarded about $6,000 to increase our efforts to fight human trafficking! We were so excited! The money went toward hosting a big event, which featured many speakers, including survivors of trafficking. This was held at neighboring Ontario High School. We also got a nice camera to make informational YouTube videos. Check them out!
Additionally, we were able to purchase a flower fridge, make shirts, and get some informational brochures printed! It was a very, but very rewarding spring!
Additionally, we were able to purchase a flower fridge, make shirts, and get some informational brochures printed! It was a very, but very rewarding spring!
Summer 2015
We were commissioned for our first wedding! We decorated and tracked down hundreds of jars and vases for the centerpieces. Our burlap squares helped tie everything together. This time we worked alongside a florist, but we plan to do the ordering and arranging of the flowers ourselves one day. Contact us if you're interested!
Pictures courtesy of Breanna Elizabeth Photography
Pictures courtesy of Breanna Elizabeth Photography
Season 2 at the Shelby Farmers' Market!
Corsages and Boutonnieres for Homecoming and Prom
Fall 2014
Summer 2014
Spreading some encouragement by giving flowers to patients in the hospital :)
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April 2014 - First Day
Please feel free to make any donations. They would be greatly appreciated!
For further information on how to donate please E-mail us at [email protected]
For further information on how to donate please E-mail us at [email protected]