Houston was the first stop on my Jewish Book Council journey with Flower Energy: Channeling the Healing Power of Blooms, and I could not have imagined a warmer welcome. At the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston’s Lions of Judah Fall Luncheon, I walked into a room of women who lead with generosity, friendship, and purpose. I left feeling as though I had made more than 100 new friends.

As I stood before the luncheon guests, I shared the story behind my name, The Flower Doctor, and why I believe flowers can help us pause, connect, and express what words sometimes cannot. Flowers have accompanied me through years of building Magical Blooms, raising my son, and finding strength in community. Sharing that story with Jewish women in Houston felt deeply personal.

A celebration of women and community

The luncheon also celebrated the 2027 Lion of Judah Kipnis-Wilson/Friedland Award recipient, Elyse Kalmans. Seeing her recognized amid the warmth of this gathering reminded me how much women can do when they bring their care and leadership to their community.

I am grateful to the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston for inviting me and making space for Flower Energy. Thank you to luncheon chairs Nancy Freed and Joy Fdoust and Women’s Philanthropy Chair Stacy Soef for their vision and leadership. The beautiful lunch, thoughtful conversations, and welcome I received made this first tour stop unforgettable.

Finding connection through flowers

One of my favorite moments was watching guests spend time with the flowers. A bloom can start a conversation, bring back a memory, or offer someone a quiet moment of joy. Seeing women choose stems and make something with their hands brought the message of my book to life right in front of me.

My Jewish community has given me a sense of belonging that I treasure. In Houston, I felt that connection in every introduction, every embrace, and every story someone shared with me. I arrived to speak about flower energy; I left carrying the energy of the women I met.

To everyone who joined us, took home a copy of Flower Energy, or stopped to say hello: thank you. Houston, you have a place in my heart.

With love and flowers,
Jenny Barker
The Flower Doctor

Event photographs: @fitlow, as credited by the Jewish Federation of Greater Houston.