Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicholas Brooks.
Hi Nicholas, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Nicholas Brooks, Founder & CEO of Velvet Stems and Enrich Enterprises
Hi, I’m Nicholas Brooks — Founder and CEO of Velvet Stems, a luxury floral design studio based in Mesquite, Texas, and Enrich Enterprises, the parent company under which I offer business consulting, event planning, and travel services. My journey into entrepreneurship began long before I ever owned a business. In fact, it started in elementary school with fundraisers. I still remember the excitement of selling something and seeing someone actually buy it from me. That feeling — that thrill of connection and exchange — never left. I even won the school’s top seller contest, which earned me a ride in a black limousine and lunch at an Italian restaurant — a moment that made me feel seen, celebrated, and confident in my ability to create value.
By the age of 10, I was already leading in my church as both choir director and youth president. Around that same time, I also began playing football — starting in pee-wee at age 9 and continuing all the way through high school. The experience taught me discipline, teamwork, and resilience — lessons that show up in my leadership style to this day.
My mom, a dedicated public servant, worked for the State of Arkansas for over 36 years — starting as a typist and eventually rising to become a division manager responsible for more than 100 employees. She took me to work with her often and gave me tasks that challenged me: building mail merges, creating templates, documenting processes — things that planted the seeds for my love of systems and strategy. She also taught me something that’s stayed with me throughout my life: always present your best self wherever you go. She believed — and instilled in me — that perception matters. Whether it was showing up to work, school, or a casual setting, she wanted me to understand that how you carry yourself influences how you’re received — and that pride in your presence is part of your purpose.
My dad played an equally formative role in shaping who I am. He was an avid hunter, fisherman, and athlete — the kind of man who had a story for every season and a quiet strength that stayed with you. He played nearly every sport during his school years and was known for his incredible speed. That competitive drive, discipline, and focus on skill development stayed with me. But more than that, he taught me about character — that who you are when no one is watching matters just as much as what you accomplish. He showed me the importance of carrying myself with dignity and respect, no matter the setting. From him, I learned that it’s okay to be different and that the most powerful thing you can be is yourself. Those lessons have never left me and continue to guide the way I lead and live today.
I continued developing that spirit of leadership and business throughout middle and high school, serving in student government, holding statewide leadership roles, and building a small school-based business selling CDs, snacks, and other goods to classmates. By 18, I had launched my first official business: an event planning company called Memorable Occasions. While it didn’t last, it taught me a great deal about branding, budgeting, customer service, and building experiences that matter — lessons I carried into every venture since.
After relocating to Dallas at age 21, I began working for a world-recognized financial institution in 2010 during the aftermath of the 2008 housing crisis. While managing a full-time job supporting homeowners through mortgage hardship, I also pursued my B.S. in Business Management — balancing education, professional growth, and personal ambition all at once. That season taught me discipline, time management, and the importance of showing up fully even when the road is tough.
Over the years, I advanced through various departments within the company — starting in customer service and loss mitigation, then moving into Underwriting Quality Control, business systems support, technology, UAT testing, Product Management, release management, and project delivery. I eventually earned the title of Vice President in Technology for Merchant Services, which felt like a full-circle moment. As a business owner, I now use merchant services daily and have firsthand knowledge of how these tools help power modern commerce. I am proud to say that I still work for this company today — it has shaped much of my professional journey and continues to be a space where I contribute, learn, and lead.
I went on to earn my MBA with a concentration in Organizational Leadership and completed an Executive Certificate in Strategic Process Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), further fueling my passion for building strong, scalable operations. I’ve also served as a leader in several employee resource groups focused on diversity, equity, and inclusion — helping design large-scale initiatives and cultural events within the organization.
In 2021, I partnered with a friend who was a master florist, helping him transition from managing a shop to owning one. I served as Chief Operations Officer and helped take the business from a few thousand dollars in revenue to over $300,000 annually — organizing events, opening a storefront, and streamlining day-to-day operations.
I’ve also had the privilege of organizing and designing several high-profile events in the Dallas area — blending logistics, aesthetics, and cultural storytelling to create unforgettable experiences.
That experience laid the foundation for what would become Velvet Stems. As one of our signature brands under Enrich Enterprises — which I officially launched in May 2022 — Velvet Stems is a floral design studio rooted in artistry, innovation, and intentionality. Our arrangements reflect our clients’ cultures, milestones, and emotions — even when they can’t quite put their vision into words. Whether it’s a sympathy tribute, a wedding centerpiece, or a birthday bouquet, we create something that feels both luxurious and deeply personal. (For me, there’s nothing more timeless than hydrangeas — my personal favorite.)
We launched Velvet Stems after recognizing a gap — there wasn’t a modern floral studio serving the residential neighborhoods near where I lived. So we started small, bringing flowers directly to the community through pop-up shops in the parking lot of a local gas station. We showed up on major holidays like Valentine’s Day and Mother’s Day, turning everyday spaces into joyful, beautiful moments.
We now serve clients across East DFW and recently opened our first storefront in Mesquite. We are in the process of launching our signature collections — including the BloomBox Collection, Hand-Tied Collection, and Timeless Vase Collection — with plans to introduce seasonal releases that highlight trends, occasions, and client favorites.
I also enjoy supporting local community events and initiatives. Most recently, I was a proud sponsor of the campaign for Rowlett City Councilman John P. Bowers III, and it was an honor to see him win his election. I love to give back and show my appreciation to the people and communities that have poured into me.
What drives me isn’t just ambition — it’s knowing that I have to keep going. I’ve come to believe that success is not final; failure is not fatal: it is the courage to continue that counts. Every chapter in my journey — the wins, the pivots, the setbacks — has only made me stronger. Even when I faced challenges or early failures, I reminded myself: think you can, think you can’t — either way you’ll be right. That mindset helped shape how I lead, how I serve, and how I build.
I’ve also learned that greatness doesn’t come all at once. It’s the result of consistent effort — showing up every day and doing the small things well. As one of my favorite reminders says, little by little, a little becomes a lot. That principle has guided everything from personal growth to scaling a business from idea to impact.
And perhaps most importantly, I know none of this is possible alone. I’m a firm believer that the sum of a whole is greater than the sum of parts. Community, collaboration, and a shared vision are the foundation of everything I’ve built. I owe so much of my success to the teams, mentors, family, and clients who’ve believed in what I do and why I do it.
Outside of work, I enjoy singing, relaxing by the beach, exploring the island of Aruba, and discovering great happy hours and fine dining spots. That balance — between hustle and leisure, ambition and joy — keeps me grounded and inspired.
To other aspiring creatives or business owners: don’t wait for the perfect time — it doesn’t exist. Start with what you have, stay open to learning, and be bold enough to bet on yourself. Keep going, even when it’s hard. Especially when it’s hard — because that’s often a sign you’re on the edge of something great.
Thanks again to VoyageDallas for this opportunity to share my story. I hope it inspires someone else to pursue theirs.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Not at all — and honestly, I don’t think the road is supposed to be smooth. There have been setbacks, sacrifices, and seasons of uncertainty. When I first started my own businesses, there were moments when I doubted myself, especially when things didn’t move as fast as I hoped or I was pouring in more than I was getting out. I’ve had to make tough financial decisions, wear multiple hats, and learn to navigate burnout while still showing up for clients, employees, and family.
Opening a storefront came with its own set of challenges — delays, inspections, unexpected costs, and the emotional toll of leading a team through unknowns. And as someone who still works full-time in a corporate leadership role, balancing both worlds has required extreme discipline and clarity of purpose.
But every challenge sharpened my vision. I’ve learned that success is not final and failure is not fatal — it’s the courage to continue that counts. The struggles taught me resilience, forced me to grow, and helped me build something with depth and intention. I’ve learned to trust the process, even when it’s uncomfortable. Because often, the breakthrough comes right after the breakdown.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I’m the Founder and CEO of Velvet Stems, a luxury floral design studio, and Enrich Enterprises, a parent company that offers business consulting, event planning, and travel services. Velvet Stems is more than just a flower shop — we specialize in intentional, emotion-forward floral designs that reflect our clients’ moments, cultures, and milestones. Whether it’s an elegant sympathy tribute, an unforgettable wedding, or a surprise “just because” arrangement, we design with story and sentiment in mind.
We’re known for our attention to detail, elevated customer experience, and ability to translate feelings into florals. Many of our clients come to us unsure of what they want — they just know how they want the flowers to make someone feel. That’s where we shine. I’m most proud of the emotional impact our work has. I’ve seen people cry receiving one of our arrangements because it said something words couldn’t. That’s powerful.
What sets us apart is the way we blend modern luxury with authenticity. Our work is always trend-aware, but it’s also rooted in understanding the client — their culture, their moment, and their needs. We’re not just in the flower business; we’re in the storytelling business.
We’ve also launched signature collections like our BloomBox Collection, Hand-Tied Collection, and Timeless Vase Collection, and are gearing up for seasonal releases that keep things fresh and relevant. Our growth started with pop-ups at a gas station in our neighborhood — now we have a storefront, a growing team, and a loyal customer base throughout East DFW.
And I bring a deep operational and business background to everything we do — which means behind the artistry is a strategic foundation. I think that combination of creativity, structure, and heart is what truly sets us apart.
Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
The floral industry is entering an exciting period of innovation and transformation. Over the next decade, I anticipate several key shifts:
Sustainability and eco-conscious design
Consumers are increasingly seeking environmentally friendly options. New products such as biodegradable floristry foam (e.g. Phoam) are gaining traction, and retailers are adopting recyclable packaging and sustainable practices
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Technology meets tradition
Farmers and florists are embracing AI, precision agriculture, and automated harvesting to boost yields and quality while reducing environmental impact
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. Meanwhile, bespoke arrangements, image-driven design tools, and online customization options will make personalization a core offering
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Rise of subscriptions & e-commerce
The U.S. floral gifting market is forecasted to grow 5–6% annually through 2030, reaching $16–17 billion
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. We’re also seeing heightened demand for convenient delivery, subscriptions, and recurring gifting services.
Experiential and emotional connection
Modern buyers value arrangements that tell a story, create ambiance, or connect with personal moments. Pinterest data shows couples leaning into bold, surreal, or nostalgia-driven design—indicating weddings and events will aim for uniqueness over familiarity
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Local-first and the ‘Slow Flowers’ movement
There’s momentum behind sourcing locally grown, seasonal flowers—both to support community and reduce carbon footprints
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What this means for Velvet Stems & Enrich Enterprises:
We’re already aligning with these trends:
We source responsibly and are exploring eco-friendly tools and packaging.
We’re developing new collections and personalization tools—like our BloomBox and Hand-Tied lines.
We’ve launched subscriptions and pop-up events to improve convenience and experiential buying.
We celebrate local growers, engage in community events, and invest back through partnerships like supporting local campaigns and nonprofits.
Looking ahead, I’m excited to integrate more digital experiences—like VR wedding mockups, AI-driven inventory prediction, and smart supply chains—as well as deepen our sustainability efforts with locally grown, traceable flowers and zero-waste practices.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.velvetstems.com
- Instagram: @velvetstemsdallas
- Facebook: @velvetstemsdallas
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nicholasdbrooks/
- Other: https://www.stayenriched.com
Image Credits
Nicholas Brooks
Velvet Stems
Enrich Enterprises
Vivica Fox
Matool Pictures
