In the vibrant world of floral design, where creativity meets emotion, Tia Latrell Laney stands as a beacon of resilience, innovation, and passion. As the founder, owner, and lead floral artist of Latrell Flowers, LLC, Tia has transformed a humble basement operation in Baltimore, Maryland, into a globally recognized brand. Certified as an MBE/DBE/SBE & WBE business and holding a Certificate of Authority in New York State, Latrell Flowers specializes in custom floral arrangements, apparel, accessories, houseware, and even bedazzled sports items. What began in 2010 as a sole proprietorship has evolved into a multifaceted enterprise that graces weddings, proms, funerals, celebrity events, and more. Tia’s journey, marked by divine inspiration and unyielding determination, exemplifies how faith, artistry, and business acumen can flourish amid adversity.
Tia’s entrepreneurial spark ignited in the cozy confines of her Maryland home basement, driven by a profound passion for flowers and their ability to convey joy and emotion. “The inspiring journey of Latrell Flowers began in the cozy confines of a basement in Baltimore, where a simple passion for floral artistry blossomed into a vibrant dream,” she reflects in a recent interview. From the early days, Tia envisioned owning a storefront and expanding her reach, but the path was fraught with challenges, including financial hurdles and the need to perfect her craft. Despite these obstacles, her commitment to excellence turned each setback into growth. By 2014, Latrell Flowers transitioned to an LLC, and roughly a year later, Tia diversified beyond traditional florals into custom sports items—a bold move inspired by her love for fashion and athletics.
This expansion showcased Tia’s unique vision: merging elegant floral designs with dazzling bedazzled elements. “Tia Latrell, a true connoisseur of fashion, has always possessed an innate connection to the world of sports, fueled by the spirit of an athlete that courses through her creative veins,” she explains. Her confidence in these creations led to remarkable partnerships, particularly with the NFL’s Baltimore Ravens. In 2016, Latrell Flowers collaborated with the team’s sports marketing company, providing custom floral arrangements and bedazzled footballs for celebrity events. A highlight was working with Ravens wide receiver Steve Smith Sr., including his retirement party, where he received a custom diamond-bedazzled football. These items even appeared on ABC2 News’ “The Nest” that year. Tia’s aspirations extended to other NFL teams, and she has since brought those dreams to life, enhancing brand recognition through high-profile collaborations.
Tia’s track record of recognition underscores her impact. Honored as the floral artist for Funeralhomes.com in 2011, she received the 2015 Trailblazer Women’s Award for leadership and inspiration. Features in B.O.S.S. Magazine (issues 28 and 30) in 2016 followed, along with the Global Influential Businesswoman Awards from Acquisition International, naming her the Best Small to Medium Enterprise Businesswoman of Baltimore. That same year, Corporate America Magazine recognized her as the Businesswoman Elite Awards Winner of Maryland and the 2016–2017 Best Woman Owned Florist of Maryland for excellence in custom designs. In 2017, Latrell Flowers launched its apparel, accessory, and houseware line, earning Acquisition International’s Most Outstanding Customized Floral Designs & Arrangements – Maryland. The accolades continued: in 2018, a Global Excellence Award for Most Trusted Wedding Floral Designs and Arrangements – Maryland, plus radio appearances on Radio One Baltimore highlighting her community involvement.
By 2019, Tia’s influence expanded further. She partnered with the Ed Reed Foundation, sponsoring placards for the Hall of Fame golf tournament, and became an ambassador for Daymond John of “Shark Tank” fame, promoting his book “Powershift.” Recognized as one of Baltimore’s Best Flower Shops by Flower Delivery Reviews, she also launched an Amazon storefront as an influencer. However, personal tragedies tested her resolve: the loss of her father in 2016, followed by additional family deaths in 2019. “Through the Grace of God and faith, Latrell Flowers remained determined and diligent,” Tia shares. Then came the 2020 pandemic, which shut down the world. Amid heartache and stress, Tia revamped operations to ensure safe continuity, proving that “there can be no success without turbulence leading to triumph.”
The pandemic year brought unexpected highlights. In summer 2020, Tia and her partner Cynthia Hudson-Laney were featured on four live billboards in New York City’s Times Square—a fuel for perseverance. “That was the fuel that was needed for Latrell Flowers to continue in the fight in the year 2020,” she recalls. Her motto, “every detail matters because you never know who is watching,” rang true. In September 2020, BBB Greater Maryland spotlighted her as a proud African American business owner, and Latrell Flowers was honored in the Founders Walkway at Ed Reed’s St. Rose Public Park.
As a certified minority and woman-owned business, these designations have been pivotal. “These essential certifications have not only opened doors to new opportunities within the floral industry but have also empowered us to showcase the unique perspectives that come from our diverse background,” Tia notes. They foster inclusion, allowing Latrell Flowers to champion diversity while balancing creativity and strategy. Tia’s diversification into apparel and custom sports items was driven by a desire to enhance customer experiences, creating memorable moments that resonate with the brand’s essence.
Beyond products, Tia emphasizes community engagement. Latrell Flowers has mentored through programs with local colleges and organizations, enriching lives through creativity and collaboration. “Our journey, marked by having operated a vibrant mentorship program and continuing the operation of dynamic community initiatives, beautifully highlights the transformative power of creativity,” she says. As an actress, model, and influencer—evident from her IMDb profile and Cameo presence—Tia leverages her platform to promote inclusivity.
Faith has been Tia’s anchor through trials. “In 2016, Tia Latrell faced the profound heartache of losing her father… Yet, amidst these deeply personal and global struggles, Tia found an unwavering source of strength in her faith in God,” she reflects. This spirituality infuses her work, turning arrangements into expressions of hope. Overcoming self-doubt and imposter syndrome, Tia embraced vulnerability, channeling it into growth. “It was through the courageous act of embracing vulnerability and fully leaning into my creativity that I discovered the strength to transcend those doubts,” she advises aspiring entrepreneurs.
As of 2025, Latrell Flowers continues to thrive. Recent Instagram posts highlight an expanded Amazon Merch Line, embodying creativity and personalization. Collaborations like custom shoes with AliveShoes showcase her ongoing innovation. Tia’s message to Black women and underrepresented entrepreneurs is empowering: “By keeping God at the forefront, infusing every endeavor with heart, and leading with unwavering faith… you can unlock the immense power nestled within your unique narrative.”
In “every detail matters,” Tia translates philosophy into practice, diving into clients’ stories for bespoke experiences. The Times Square feature symbolized years of resilience, reinforcing her mission. Looking ahead, Tia remains committed to her vision, inspiring through floral artistry that touches hearts. Her story—from basement to billboards—is a testament to perseverance, proving that with faith and creativity, blooms can emerge from the toughest soils.
