It’s springtime in the BX! Roses, tulips, lilies, all within your reach with a quick trip to the Base Exchange. A new business has recently taken root in a previously empty space and blossomed into a vibrant and colorful addition.
Proof & Petals, a fresh take on the classic floral shop, quietly opened last month at Minot AFB. With a grand opening planned for Friday, May 1, owner Madison Edmonds explained that her approach offers a new kind of experience. “The space itself is designed to feel more like a boutique experience. It is meant to feel calm, intentional, and approachable rather than transactional. Proof & Petals is intentionally different from a traditional flower shop.”
Edmonds wasn’t always a floral designer. In fact, she is an Air Force veteran who once worked on the more technical side of things rather than the artistic. After her service, she wasn’t sure what direction to take next.
“I had explored the technical side of things, but I realized I needed something that felt more grounding and personal. Flowers became that outlet. It gave me something to create with my hands and a way to reconnect with myself in a different way.”
She shared that the name Proof & Petals is rooted in her personal experiences. “The name reflects something I speak about often: how beauty can come from even the hardest seasons. It’s rooted in resilience. No matter what someone is going through, there is still something meaningful that can grow from it. That perspective shapes both the business and the way I approach every arrangement.”
Proof & Petals had a humble beginning. Edmonds explained that she participated in a Valentine’s vendor event at the BX this past February, where the general manager approached her about possibly filling the empty floral shop space.
“From there, it became a process of preparing the space, coordinating details, and building out what Proof & Petals would look like in a permanent location within the BX.”
As mentioned, Proof & Petals stands apart from traditional flower shops by offering both fresh and faux flowers, giving customers more flexibility. Edmonds said, “Some people want something lasting, while others want something fresh and seasonal. I also focus heavily on ready-to-go arrangements, so customers can walk in and leave with something meaningful without needing to place an order in advance.”
In addition to ready-made options, she also takes custom orders and offers special packages for holidays. While the business is off to a strong start, Edmonds already has plans for future growth.
“Looking ahead, I plan to introduce additional offerings such as floral workshops, bloom bar experiences where customers can choose their own stems, and a subscription-style option focused on bringing fresh flowers into the start of the week. The goal is to create something people can incorporate into their routine, not just something they purchase for special occasions.”
For Edmonds, this business is a true labor of love. “What started as something small for myself grew into something I now get to share with others,” she said.
