Visit Michelle Puckett’s backyard and you’ll spot a caterpillar here and there, an occasional chrysalis, and numerous butterflies. She also grows butterfly vines, especially after her son was involved in a motorcycle accident 10 years ago. After getting the terrible news, she looked down and spotted one of the plants, which “planted” in her heart the seeds of her nonprofit—Blooming Butterflies.
Destined to Help Others
Puckett is founder and CFO at Designer Exchange Consignment Resale at Westchase, in addition to her 501c3 Blooming Butterflies, which assists disadvantaged women, children and senior citizens. But she also helps personally, often taking her Labrador “Sassy,” a service dog, to local nursing homes and hospitals, including the Community of Hope at St. Luke’s. Puckett handcrafts butterflies, which are tucked into Sassy’s backpack and distributed to elderly residents and hospital patients as a special treat. But her acts of kindness extend beyond the “ordinary.” She recently saved neighbor who tried to commit suicide, and has taken the woman, who was admitted to ICU, under her wing. Various people who are down on their luck reside at her home as she helps them get back on their feet. “If we could all help each other, this would be a better world,” she says.
“So many are afraid to get involved.”
This remarkable compulsion to serve began when she was a little girl. Puckett grew up in a trailer park in Rosenberg, the daughter of a police officer, and “got in trouble” for sneaking food out to the maintenance man, who “looked hungry.” Fast forward to 2013, and you’ll find her advocating for battered women and, through her nonprofit, providing clothing and a basic resume guidance. Blooming Butterflies points others toward a new beginning and a new life.
She heads another ministry, Grant Assistant Services, founded in 2010. “We’ve helped 211 people with in kind services and didn’t charge fees,” says Puckett. She helps others start their own nonprofits and submits grants. She also helps kids get through college with Pell Grants and student loans, showing them how to fill out complicated FAFSA paperwork.
Blooming Butterflies
Puckett and a group of volunteers serve women through confidential shelter referrals. “Many of our women are found by board members on an everyday routine in life,” she says. They currently go to 11 confidential locations helping individual women, teens, children and senior citizens. “Together, we are making a difference in their lives.” Money directly benefits community seniors with warm clothing for the winter months along with minor home repairs, which some seniors desperately need, as well as battered women who are transitioning to economic and emotional stability receive professional work attire and supportive assistance as they re-enter the career world.
Clothing donations and financial contributions are tax deductible. Blooming Butterflies offers a free pick up service for donated items—just give them a call to schedule the pick up.
How to Help
“I am thankful for all my family, friends, and everyone I meet each and every day!” says Puckett. “Thank you, God, for the opportunity to help others!”
Want to make a difference in the lives of fellow human beings? You can contact her at the following locations, in person and online:
Blooming Butterflies in Partnership with Designer Exchange
10248 Westheimer Road
Belt West Shopping Center (cross street Seagler)
Houston, Texas 77042
713-782-1780
713-416-4973
Hours: Monday – Saturday 10 am – 6 pm (closed Sundays)
Website: bloomingbutterflies.vpweb.com
Facebook: Blooming Butterflies, Inc.
