Jessica Duke

Alumni
Landscape/Plant Production

Growing a business has always been Jessie’s goal. In pursuit of that future, she earned an associate’s degree in landscape and horticulture from Penn College. This hands-on training further cultivated her love for plants and ignited a creative flair for design. After graduation, she launched her own floral business—allowing her to dream up breathtaking wedding centerpieces and deliver a fresh flower subscription service. To introduce her services to a broader audience, Jessie was thrilled to open the doors to her first-ever storefront location in up-and-coming Allentown, PA.

Q&A with Jessica

WHEN DID YOU FIRST FALL IN LOVE WITH YOUR CAREER FIELD AND WHY?

When I was in high school, I took a botany course. I had an awesome teacher and I started learning a lot about growing plants. I knew then that I had found my passion. My teacher showed us all the ways you can have a career with plants and from there I learned about Penn College.

WHAT DO YOU LIKE MOST ABOUT YOUR FIELD?

I love that I can take a seed and grow something new. The aesthetic feeling plants bring people and the creativity that can go in any plant project. I enjoy how you can plant a new landscape and change the whole look of a house.

WHAT IS SOMETHING COOL YOU LEARNED AT PENN COLLEGE OR A FUN PROJECT YOU WORKED ON?

The hemp project was something my class wanted to learn and experience. We had the opportunity to visit other hemp fields and wanted one of our own. We learned about growing, harvesting, sizing and spacing for the field, and how to apply for hemp grants. In June of 2020 we were able to get our own hemp plants into the ground!

IF SOMEONE WERE INTERESTED IN PENN COLLEGE, WHAT WOULD YOU TELL THEM?

I would tell someone who was interested to go see it and you will fall in love with it. There is a career or hands-on skill for everyone and once you get there you quickly know that this is the right place for you.

CAN YOU TELL US ABOUT THE RELATIONSHIP YOU HAVE WITH FACULTY AND/OR THE PENN COLLEGE FAMILY?

Penn College has created such great student to teacher relationships that have then turned into friendships that will go on after I have graduated. My horticulture professors Dincher, Bower, and Shelinski have real world experiences that they are able to use and share with us to help us expand our knowledge. They have helped us not only with school, internships, and careers; they are a friend who will go above and beyond for their students.

ARE YOU INVOLVED IN ANY CLUBS OR ORGANIZATIONS ON CAMPUS, IF SO WHICH ONES?

During my time at Penn College I joined the Archery team. This allowed me to meet new people and learn a new sport. I loved my teammates and coach who inspired me to do more and never stop learning even after I graduate.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT OPENING THE DOORS TO YOUR NEW SHOP?

What excites me most about my shop opening is that I am able to expand my business and I am able share my passion more with my community.

HOW HAS YOUR EDUCATION PREPARED YOU FOR THIS MOMENT?

My education and my time at Penn College prepared me to be confident in my field and pushed me to pursue my dream. The connections and networking that I made there also has been an enormous part of my story.

DO YOU HAVE ANY ADVICE FOR OTHERS INTERESTED IN PURSUING A DREAM LIKE YOURS?

My advice for others is that if you have something you are passionate about turn it into your career. Starting a business can be incredibly intimidating, believe me, but there are resources out there to use. You can do it! Trust your instincts and don’t be afraid to ask for help.

Learn more about Jessie the Florist

Student Experience

"The balance between classroom and lab work is awesome. The students in this program are able to take what they learn in the classroom and immediately go apply it in the field. For a lot of college students, they learn something and then years later they may get to use that knowledge in their career. At Penn College, you learn something in class and in the field at the same time. You build that skill right away."

Jessica Duke

Guaranteed Momentum

Gaining skills and giving back

On a regular basis, horticulture students gain real-world experience by lending their landscape expertise to benefit area organizations. In the summer of 2019, a team of students, including Jessica, transformed an outdoor space at St. John Neumann Regional Academy to include a beautiful garden where students can learn, play, and connect with nature.

Real-World Ready

Scaring up some fall fun

Jessica and her classmates created a dozen scarecrows, which were on display in Way’s Garden, a well-tended oasis of greenery in downtown Williamsport.

Read the story

TAKING THE LEAD

Cultivating new skills

Twenty members of the Horticulture Club and faculty members Justin Shelinski and Carl Bower Jr. enjoyed a pair of Tuesday field trips: Longwood Gardens in Kennett Square and North Creek Nurseries in Landenburg.