In the heart of Memphis, a new kind of floral story is unfolding. Ora Blooms, founded by partners Charis Bryant and Taelor Manning, is a queer-, Black-, and woman-owned floral design studio that turns floristry into an art form; one that tells stories, sets moods, and speaks the language of intention.
Many Memphians first discovered Ora Blooms during a warm afternoon in Overton Park, when hundreds gathered to receive hand-tied bouquets offered freely to the city that shaped Charis and Taelor’s families for generations. What began as a gesture of gratitude quickly grew into something more — the spark that revealed how flowers could carry emotion, memory, and connection.
But Ora Blooms isn’t just about flowers. It’s about storytelling through design, Black excellence through artistry, and the belief that beauty should move you, not just decorate a space. Every petal, stem, and color choice is intentional, layered with meaning. From editorial work to immersive tablescapes, Ora Blooms creates visual poetry, transforming gatherings into experiences and arrangements into narratives.
“We’ll always have a heart for community, but what we’re building is bigger than that. Ora Blooms is about legacy and about creating art that reflects culture, emotion, and complexity. We’re not a nonprofit, and we’re not trying to be everywhere. We’re building something lasting, rooted in purpose and luxury, shaped by intention.”
At its core, Ora Blooms is a celebration of artistry and identity. It’s a love letter to Memphis, to Black creativity, and to the beauty that lives in complexity. Charis and Taelor are arranging flowers and crafting moments that linger, shaping a visual language that reflects both who they are and what they believe in: to always bloom with intention.
Ora Blooms is redefining floristry in Memphis and beyond, not as something fleeting, but as something intentional, expressive, and everlasting.
Because for Charis and Taelor, it’s never been just about flowers. It’s about the feeling they leave behind.
What’s Next for Ora Blooms
Ora Blooms continues to grow with the same care and creativity that started it all. Upcoming events and collaborations can be found on their website and social pages, where each season brings something new to discover. From limited themed drops like holiday collections and seasonal releases to bespoke event florals and custom designs, Ora Blooms invites you to experience the art of intentional floristry in every form.
Orders can be placed directly through their website at any time, making it easy to bring Ora’s signature touch of art and intention into your home, event, or brand experience.
Whether it’s online, at an event, or through a personal design consultation, Ora Blooms is here to help you celebrate beauty with meaning — and always, to bloom with intention.
