Today we’d like to introduce you to Patricia Glass.
Hi Patricia, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I always say my story started long before I realized it was one. I grew up knowing what it meant to struggle and what it meant to be lifted by community. That planted the seed.
Fast forward a bit and I found myself juggling life, work, and leadership roles on nonprofit boards while navigating deep personal loss. After we lost our son Maxwell, something shifted in me. I knew I wanted to do something that would carry his light forward, something that could help others flourish in the face of their own challenges. That’s where the heart behind Flourish was born.
I founded Flourish to be a space where nonprofits, entrepreneurs, and community leaders could grow together. What started as a word on my vision board is now a vibrant hub in East Texas that offers consulting, coworking, board training, and a whole lot of community. We help mission-driven people build sustainable organizations, navigate fundraising, and stay grounded in their why.
The truth is, I didn’t take the traditional route here. I built Flourish with a mix of grit, grief, and grace. And now I get to help others do the same, just with a little more clarity and a lot more support. That’s the work I’m most proud of.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Definitely not a smooth road. I don’t think any meaningful work ever is.
There were moments early on when I wasn’t sure if I was building something people would actually need or understand. I started Flourish while still working other jobs and raising a family. It was a lot.
One of the biggest challenges has been learning how to grow something from scratch without burning out. There’s no roadmap for building a nonprofit consulting hub that’s also a coworking space and a community network. I had to figure it out step by step.
There were financial risks, leadership lessons, and plenty of moments where I questioned if I was the right person for this. But every time I saw someone walk into Flourish and feel seen, supported, and equipped, it reminded me why I started.
The challenges are still there, but now I see them as part of the process, not a sign that something’s wrong.
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Flourish?
My organization is called Flourish, and it is a consulting firm, coworking space, and resource hub for mission-driven people doing good work. We support nonprofits, small businesses, and entrepreneurs through consulting, coaching, board training, strategy sessions, and community-centered events.
What sets Flourish apart is that we are not just a service provider. We are a partner. We walk alongside leaders to help them build sustainable impact without losing themselves in the process. People often come to us when they feel stuck, overwhelmed, or unsure of their next steps. We help them find clarity and direction with real tools and honest support.
We are known for creating a space where people feel both challenged and encouraged. It is not just about checking boxes. It is about building something that lasts. We focus on leadership development, fundraising strategies, and strengthening organizations from the inside out.
Brand-wise, I am most proud that Flourish reflects the values we live by: authenticity, community, and empowerment. Our space, our team, and our services are all designed to help people grow with purpose.
If there is one thing I would want readers to know, it is that Flourish exists to make the work easier for those doing the hard work. We believe in what you are building, and we are here to help you do it well.
We’d love to hear about how you think about risk taking?
I think risk is a necessary part of growth, especially when you are building something that does not exist yet. I would not call myself a natural risk-taker, but I have definitely taken my fair share of leaps.
Starting Flourish was a huge risk. I left stability and predictability behind to pursue something I deeply believed in, even when it felt like no one fully understood it yet. I used my own resources to get it off the ground. I was navigating uncertainty, and there were no guarantees that it would work.
But here is the thing. Every time I chose to bet on purpose instead of fear, I moved closer to the kind of life and work that actually felt meaningful.
To me, risk is not about being reckless. It is about being willing to trust your gut when something is worth building, even if the path is unclear. I have learned that sometimes the biggest risk is staying stuck in what is safe.
I still take risks. But now I try to take the kind that align with my values and make room for others to grow too.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://flourishnonprofits.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flourishnonprofits/#
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61564945922551
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/105970844/admin/dashboard/
