For 12-year-old Lilyanne Hahn, flowers are more than a hobby — they’re a family tradition. From 2008 to 2012, the Hahn family ran the Rolling J Ranch in Genesee, selling flowers at farmers’ markets in Quincy and Greenville. Later, after moving to Meadow Valley, they operated Let it Grow Gardens, providing fresh flowers to the Feather River Food Co-op until just a few years ago. And this summer, Hahn, a Plumas Charter School student going into seventh grade, took on the family mantle by starting her own seasonal flower subscription and delivery service, Just Because Flowers. 

With Just Because Flowers, Hahn seeks to provide access to fresh, locally grown flowers at affordable prices. She creates bouquets in a variety of sizes ranging in price from $5 for a small arrangement in a mason jar, up to $25+ for an elaborate arrangement in a large vase. She offers anonymous “secret admirer” deliveries, and a subscription option for those wanting weekly, bi-weekly or monthly deliveries. And for those who prefer to shop in person, Hahn will have a booth at the upcoming Quincy Farmers Market on the Rich Bar lawn August 13. She debuted at last month’s July market, and, according to Hahn, “completely sold out of stock!”  

Hahn takes her time and begins simply as she assembles flowers in mason jars donated by friends and community members. Photo by Erin Kirwan.

A freshly picked rudbeckia, the flower featured in the Just Because Flowers logo, provides a pop of vibrant color. Photo by Erin Kirwan.

Hahn, who enjoys art of all kinds, finds creative expression and inspiration in the process of flower arranging. Photo by Erin Kirwan.

For Hahn, Just Because Flowers is more than just a business — it’s an opportunity to express herself artistically and bring a touch of beauty into people’s lives. Hahn is a lifelong artist who loves charcoal sketching and cake decorating, and plans to learn sewing and costume-making through West End Theatre’s SWEET program. She has an eye for aesthetics that makes her a natural when it comes to flower arranging. She designed her own business logos for cards, stickers and T-shirts, and every bouquet sold is her own artistic creation. 

“I like growing the flowers and making them look pretty, but I especially love the social aspect.”

Lilyanne Hahn, Just Because Flowers

“I like growing the flowers and making them look pretty,” said Hahn, “but I especially love the social aspect.” The opportunity to connect with the community has been very positive, and Hahn has received a tremendous amount of encouragement and support, according to her mother, Lori. Even so, running a business at 12 isn’t easy, and Hahn’s determination is on full display some days when she has to wake up at 6 a.m. to harvest flowers, rush out to swim team practice, then assemble orders as soon as she gets back home. According to the young entrepreneur, it’s absolutely worth it. 

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Just Because Flowers business cards and stickers, featuring the logo Hahn designed, sit ready as the young entrepreneur prepares to assemble bouquets. Photo by Erin Kirwan.

Hahn stands in front of her family’s garden in Meadow Valley, where she grows and harvests the flowers used in her arrangements. Photo courtesy of Lori Hahn.

A bucket of fresh flowers, harvested only hours earlier, awaits Hahn’s artistic endeavors. Photo by Erin Kirwan.

Once school is back in session, Just Because Flowers will close up shop for the season. But will hopefully come back even bigger and better next summer — just like the blooms in the Hahn garden. In the meantime, they are still taking orders until the end of summer, and can be contacted at 530-616-0312.