09/11/2025
Introducing the next of our 2025 Hometown Rankin Women in Business, Mackenzie Bates with CoBee's Floral!
In the heart of Rankin County, Mackenzie Comer Bates co-owns and operates CoBee’s Floral, a full-service flower shop that’s become far more than a business — it’s a ministry. Working alongside her parents, Scott and Lisa Comer, Mackenzie serves as the head floral designer, blending creative vision with a heart for service. Together, they meet the floral needs of their community — from joyful weddings to moments of quiet remembrance — always with intention, beauty, and love.
Mackenzie’s journey is deeply intertwined with her roots. Raised in Rankin County, she now lives just down the road from where she grew up, with her husband, Patrick Bates, and their 2-year-old son. For Mackenzie, home isn’t just a place — it’s a foundation built on faith, resilience, and strong family ties. Her upbringing in a hardworking, close-knit family shaped her values, instilling in her a deep appreciation for community and the quiet strength of service.
Floral design has always been more than a career path — it’s a calling. Mackenzie’s earliest memories include crafting arrangements alongside her mother, learning through hands-on experience long before she ever stepped into a formal workshop. Over the years, she has refined her craft through industry events and design training, but it’s her natural creative spirit and deep empathy for others that truly set her work apart.
At CoBee’s Floral, Mackenzie brings more than flowers to her clients — she brings comfort, celebration, and connection. She considers each arrangement an opportunity to speak to someone’s heart. Whether she’s crafting a bridal bouquet or a memorial wreath, her designs are personal, thoughtful, and purpose-filled.
“One of my favorite parts of this business,” Mackenzie shares, “is the deep connection we get to make with people during the most meaningful moments of their lives.” That trust, she says, is a privilege she never takes for granted.
Running a family business means wearing many hats. Mackenzie oversees day-to-day operations, manages customer relations, and leads the creative direction of CoBee’s. Yet, amid the busy seasons — especially while raising a toddler — she’s learned to embrace imperfection and lean on her faith. “There have been times I’ve felt overwhelmed,” she admits, “but I remind myself I wasn’t called to do this alone. My husband, my parents, and God’s faithfulness keep me grounded.”
Through every challenge, Mackenzie’s heart for service remains steady. She and her family continue to grow CoBee’s Floral, recently expanding their wedding and event offerings to include an array of rental items — staying on trend while always putting client experience first. They also host floral workshops, birthday parties, and community-focused events throughout the year. This fall, CoBee’s will welcome local artists and businesses for a special October celebration — an event designed to bring families together and uplift the community.
In every bouquet, every client interaction, and every moment spent growing her business, Mackenzie is building something lasting — a legacy of beauty, faith, and community, blooming in the soil she knows best: home.
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