How to Quit Your Day Job and Become a Floral Designer

Katelan Cunningham
Mar 31, 2015

If you’ve ever tossed some stems in a vase in an attempt to create a statement-making centerpiece, you probably know that it’s not as easy as it looks. We too have dabbled in the art of floral design, and it’s a totally fun, DIY way to bring some vibrant blooms into your life and get to know big ol’ Mother Earth while you’re at it.

THE Floral Design PROS: STUDIO CHOO

In 2009, BFFs and business partners Alethea Harampolis and Jill Rizzo started Studio Choo in San Francisco. Before that, Jill was managing a floral/design store where she hired Alethea. After a brief stint in Seattle as an estate gardener, Alethea returned to San Francisco to launch Studio Choo with Jill. From Jill’s kitchen to a dedicated studio space, the two botanical beauties have perfected their craft and come up with a signature flower style all their own. Here’s some of their inspiration/divine guidance on going from floral obsession to floral profession.

The Tips

Start Small. Jill and Alethea definitely did not go straight from bud vases to floral installations overnight. They set out to find their style by exploring their options and trusting all of their previous experience that had taken them from flower shops to landscapes. Jill said that they’d go to flower markets and local farms, then they’d buy what they liked and practice. She said, “We would then bring our creations all over the Bay Area and do little photo shoots to put online — anywhere from a green cow pasture to a tiny breakfast cafe.”

They’d even drop off arrangements in local shops with business cards, saying yes to any and every opportunity. If there’s one thing that will get your business card noticed, it’s delivering it with a gorgeous bouquet of flowers.

Grow Into Your Style. For Jill and Alethea, they set out to find an aesthetic that was different than the studios they’d worked for. Jill said that instead of taking the modern, minimal route, they set out to design “little, wild, overgrown gardens.” Jill said their style is kind of like “wandering through your mother’s garden, gathering up blooms while listening to The Doors. Romantic, nostalgic and a little wild.” Are you in love yet?

By focusing on local materials and really owning their “gardens in a vase” style, Jill said they were able to set themselves apart, and people took notice. But even with all of their experience, their unique look didn’t come to them overnight. They took time to finesse their process while sticking to what appealed to them. Jill said that, for them, it’s important to think about air: “Making arrangements full of movement and air keep our style relaxed and interesting, with plenty of room to let things grow and change as the design ages.”

Ask for the Right Help. You probably know this by now, but starting a business is hard work — even especially a flower business. Jill said, “You have to be cool with being on your feet for hours on end, slinging a lot of heavy buckets/branches/what-have-you and be ready to work weekends for the entirety of wedding season.” But, if it’s your dream job, she says it’s totally worth it.

A good way to keep yourself from getting burnt out is to know when you need help and ask for it. Jill said that this has been one the hardest parts of building Studio Choo. “It takes time to find the right people, and it’s one of the most expensive aspects of owning a small business. That said, having good support allows for a little work/life balance.” Seriously, there’s never been a better excuse to stop and smell the roses. Jill said that being able to grow the business in sync with changes in their personal lives has been super important in moving forward, and it’s also another perk to keeping your small business relatively small.

Think Beyond Bouquets. After they got their footing with Studio Choo, Jill and Alethea started using their expertise beyond what could fit in a vase. Over the past two years, they’ve released the Wreath Recipe Book, The Flower Recipe Book and even the stunning Flower Recipe Calendar. Jill said the books have been the biggest change for the business. All of a sudden, they weren’t just selling flowers; they were teaching people all over the country how to craft their own pieces. They even teach IRL classes. Their class schedule for the next month takes them from the Macy’s Flower Show in San Francisco to the Portland Garden Club.

Next on their list is a flower club and line of custom vases. The biggest project on the horizon though is finishing their new studio, which sounds like a total dream. It will even have gardens blooming right in the back.

Show Your Mission in Everything You Do. These ladies seriously do so much more than design wedding bouquets (which, of course, they’re great at), and no matter what they’re doing, all of their exploration goes back to their main goal: “We love flowers and want to show you why.”

When Jill says they love flowers, she doesn’t just mean she loves them until they start to wilt: “We love how they open and change, grow and eventually die. The moment just before they fall apart is often when they are the most beautiful. We want to share why we are drawn to each bloom — the arc of a tulip, the craggy bend of a crabapple branch, the smell of a tiny sprig of daphne, the dark speckles inside a foxglove bloom.” At the moment, Jill and Alethea have their sights set on seasonal blooms like Quince Forsythia and Tulip Magnolia.

Put Yourself Out There. Like many self-driven pursuits, word of mouth is a big deal for Studio Choo. When they create unique, airy arrangements, people take notice — even really famous people, like the queen of domestic craft. Recently, they were featured on Martha Stewart Wedding’s list of top wedding florists in the country.

We found Studio Choo through Instagram, and judging by their 14 thousand followers, we’re sure that we’re not the only ones. By going where there’s already an audience for people who love looking at beautiful things, Studio Choo is spreading the botanical love to the social sphere.

Studio Choo’s Final Words of Advice. “Get as much experience as you can! Try lots of different styles, gain skills and knowledge, and then use what you have learned to do something unique.”

If you love Studio Choo as much as we do, buy one of their books. If you’re in the Bay Area, claim a spot in one of their classes.

PERFECT YOUR SKILLS

Speaking of classes, now that you have a little insight as to the business side of things, it’s time to get your learn on. There are plenty of online ways to learn all you need to get started right here on the Internet at your leisure. Everybody has a side hustle, right? Here are some e-classes to get you started.

1. A Quick Introduction: Right from the Brit + Co studios, Christina and Rhiannon of Farmgirl Flowers will give you fundamentals of flower design so you can begin to familiarize yourself with some of the main principles of floral design — color, symmetry, composition and design. ($25 for one 25-minute class)

2. A More Extensive Intro Class: Chelsea Fuss of Nicole’s Classes teaches a four-week course on the full 101 of floral arranging. In the class, you’ll learn how to make a wild English garden arrangement, a wedding bouquet and a head wreath, just to name a few. She even has tips on sourcing stunning flowers. Set your own pace with the weekly schedule and turn in your homework by Sunday night. If only all homework included peonies, #amiright? ($125 for a four-week course)

3. Getting Down to Details: This class goes from basics to specifics with full classes on wedding flowers, flowers for gifts and flowers for the home. The courses are a bit more expansive, starting with the history of flower arranging and even a whole class on containers. At your own pace, you can bloom through 11 classes and even get a CEU certificate at the end. ($40 [without certificate] for a 10-hour class)

4. Bonus: Tablescape Styling: If you’re going to host a spring shindig or deck out the table for someone else’s, you can extend your floral arranging skills to be the life of the party. From a full center arrangement to scattered bud vases, this class covers all you need to know to branch into the business of tablescaping. ($96 for annual Skillshare subscription to view all classes)

We hope this column will continue to bring you the advice, inspiration and skills to go forth and create a life you’re stoked about. As for us, we’re just going to be over here studying up on the best local flower markets to start honing our craft. Look out, Forsythia branches; we’re coming for ya!

What passion would you like to see covered in your Live Your Love Series? Let us know in the comments!

5 "Underrated" Wall Treatments That Will Make Your Home Feel Truly European

When I moved into my '70s-era fixer, the first thing I changed were the walls. Tacky wallpaper, outdated slate around the fireplace, textured walls and popcorn ceilings all had to go. I had it painted all white to transform the place from a cigarette-scented eyesore to a clean, modern canvas. Five years later, going into 2025, I'm craving COLOR and pattern and more texture. Enter this swoon-worthy LA home designed by husband and wife duo Karan and Sapna Aggarwal of L.A. design firm Bungalowe.

"We wanted the wall treatments to add both texture and personality to each room," says Karan.

Wallpaper

Shade Degges

The Eagle Rock home in Los Angeles was beautifully remodeled with European design in mind, taking cues from their travels to France and England. Think romantic wallpapers from House of Hackney, warm paint hues in browns and blush but also a rich earthy greens, classic bead board and moulding, each offering so much inspiration for 2025 walls.

Shade Degges

Every passageway offers a unique pairing of color and pattern and texture. In this foyer, the moody color palette complements the softer shades found in the kitchen and baths. The Harlequin black and white checkered marble floors are classic and a bit of a showstopper throughout the home.

Shade Degges

This House of Hackney London Rose wallpaper is so gorgeous and romantic! Classic bead board and unlacquered brass fixtures accentuate the cozy, classic Euro aesthetic.

Shade Degges

Here, we transition from dark and moody tones to light and airy hues. The London Rose wallpaper continues into the kitchen with taupe cabinets, marble countertops, raw copper metals, and handmade Moroccan plumbing fixtures.

"The goal was to create spaces that felt both luxurious and lived-in, from the raw copper range hood and thin brick floors to the custom trim and dramatic lighting choices," says Karan.

Paint

Shade Degges

The warm clay-colored paint in the butler's pantry provides a little breathing room from the abundance of pattern. "These treatments, along with limestone accents and custom trim work, were intended to add depth and warmth to the home, creating a visual experience that feels cohesive yet unique in every room," says Sapna.

Shade Degges

The clé thin brick tile on the flooring is an unexpected choice, but I'm in love. The rustic minimalism with the earthy green cabinetry inspires Old-World elegance while still feeling fresh and modern.

Stone

Shade Degges

The rustic stone wall, used in this smaller kitchen, bedrooms, and laundry room, is giving Nancy Meyers vibes a la The Holiday English cottage. "We also drew inspiration from the majestic oak trees on the property, incorporating natural, earthy tones that reflect the outdoors throughout the house," says Karan.

Shade Degges

The bedroom instantly feels cozy with this natural stone wall texture.

Shade Degges

I love a laundry room that gets a little design love. Incorporating the same stone throughout the space creates a sense of cohesion and harmony within the home.

Shade Degges

What a lovely spot for a cozy warm bath. The stone wall adds to the charm of the rustic retreat, while the sleek modern tub and luxe marble floors add a touch of sophistication and elegance to the space.

Shade Degges

Here's more stone in the master bedroom paired with neutral linens, furniture and rug. Built-in bookshelves are functional and aesthetic, a perfect spot for more stoneware.

Molding

Shade Degges

The molding in the lounge, painted in the same earthy green as the dining room, subtly ties the spaces together while adding a touch of timeless elegance.

Shade Degges

The blush-painted molding in the kids' room is a sophisticated detail. While painting the walls alone can make an impact, the addition of molding brings extra dimension, elevating the entire space.

Shade Degges

Adore this sweet moment in the kid's room.

Shade Degges

Natural materials like leather and sheepskin strike the perfect balance, creating a cozy yet elegant space even in a kid's room!

Tile

Shade Degges

The perfectly imperfect look of this Zia Zellige Racing Green tile complements the natural, rustic yet refined elegance of the home.

Shade Degges

Here is the tile again in Pure White. Love the unlaquered brass fixtures paired with the natural imperfections of this handmade tile.

Shade Degges

This Desert colored tile is the perfect pairing for the marble bath. "Our wish list focused on creating a home that seamlessly blends modern functionality with timeless European-Craftsman charm," says Karan. "We wanted to design spaces that not only provided a sense of comfort and coziness but also incorporated luxurious, high-quality materials and thoughtful, design-forward details." Mission accomplished.


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10 Ways Your Home Office Design Is Killing Your Productivity

I've been working from home since long before it became the norm. And my "office" has evolved from a spindled-back chair at the kitchen table to an airy home office with a view. Back then, my productivity took a hit without essentials like adequate storage space, comfortable seating, and a bit of privacy. While it has its perks, working from home comes with its fair share of challenges; your home office setup doesn't need to be one of them.

Here are 10 ways to redesign your home office for better productivity!

Caio

1. Bad Lighting

Dim or harsh overhead lighting can strain your eyes and limit your focus. Try to get close to a window for natural light or use daylight bulbs to mimic sunlight to boost your mood, creativity, and focus. Find a desk lamp that works for you too!

Ella Jardim

2. Clutter Everywhere

A cluttered desk equals a cluttered mind, IMO. Reduce the stress that comes with a disorganized and cluttered desk by bringing in shelves and organizers; finding sleek cable-management solutions; and removing any unnecessary items to reduce visual distractions.

Vlada Karpovich

3. Uncomfortable Furniture

If you're sitting most of the day, it's so important to invest in a good desk chair. An unsupportive chair or poorly sized desk can be uncomfortable, making it harder to stay focused for long periods of time. Your back will thank you!

Ketut Subiyanto

4. No Boundaries Between Work and Home

Distractions at home like kids and partners can kill your productivity. Avoid blurring the line between work and home life by designating a private space, separate from high-traffic spaces, for your work hours if you can. Use rugs, curtains, or acoustic panels to reduce noise too.

Mizuno K

5. Lack of Storage

I get it, they're not the best-looking pieces in your home, but without proper filing systems you’ll waste time hunting for important documents or supplies. Invest in modern storage options that look good too from Mustard Made and The Container Store.

Vlada Karpovich

6. Unoptimized Tech Setup

Slow Internet or outdated tech tools can make you feel totally frustrated and can slow down your productivity. Upgrade your Internet to a faster connection, and refresh your tech gadgets and programs to make sure you work more efficiently.

Ivan Samkov

7. Awkward Desk Placement

Placing your desk in a spot with too much noise, traffic, or distractions — like facing a TV — will guarantee to disrupt your concentration. Find a more zen spot where you can focus on the tasks of the day.

Anna Shvets

8. Ignoring Ergonomics

Check your monitor height, keyboard positioning, and add a wrist rest so you don't lead to feeling uncomfortable and fatigued, cutting your workday short.

Mikhail Nilov

9. Lack of Personalization

A sterile, uninspiring office design does your motivation and creativity no favors. Make work feel less like a chore by adding personal touches through artwork, personal photos, candles, some fresh flowers or plants. Greenery can improve air quality and actually reduce work stress. Add a little snack station for quick energy boosts and keep water handy. Also, your Zoom backgrounds should reflect your personality!

Serpstat

10. No Inspiration

No matter what you do — whether it's a creative work or something more analytical — you want to feel inspired. Personalization can help, but dive into vision boards, books, magazines, quotes that inspire your work and help you bring fresh ideas to your workday. Color psychology can help too: blues and greens encourage focus and reduce stress while pops of yellow or orange can spark creativity! Break out the paint if needed!

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Brit + Co may at times use affiliate links to promote products sold by others, but always offers genuine editorial recommendations.

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This Unexpected Trader Joe’s Home Decor Find Is Sending Customers Into A Frenzy: “OMG Need.”

As fun as Trader Joe’s snacks and desserts are, there’s one aisle you definitely should not skip – and that’s their plant section. Trader Joe’s is constantly stocking up on blooms like orchids and monsteras, all of which are easy to take care of once they make it home from the store.

Any houseplant lover knows the easiest of all easy houseplants is the famed pothos. I can water mine (I have about 5 pothos plants) once every two weeks, and they will. not. die. Right now, Trader Joe’s is selling pothos for cheap – but not just any pothos. They currently come along with a stunning hanging pot that you’ll instantly want to put up in your home.

Scroll on to discover more about this unique Trader Joe’s plant find!

@traderjoesobsessed

That’s right – Trader Joe’s shelves now include disco ball hanging planters. I repeat: disco ball hanging planters! The sphere-shaped pot is covered in reflective disco tiles that’ll certainly make your living room feel like a dance club. The best part is that pothos plants naturally look amazing when they’re grown hanging, so you can watch this baby flourish all year long.

@traderjoesobsessed

TJ’s fan account @traderjoesobsessed recently spotted the disco ball hanging planters at their local Trader Joe’s and shared the new find with their Instagram followers. Tons of them chimed in about their excitement for the product in the comments!

“I need this now😍,” one person commented.

“The way I gasped when I saw this 😍🪩,” another said.

“I bought one today and totally love it👍,” someone else commented.

“I suddenly need to buy more plants,” one more person wrote.

Several shoppers in the comment section noted that they were able to track down the disco ball hanging planters pretty easily, while others reported that they haven’t seen them in their stores quite yet. This is your sign to keep an eye out on your next TJ’s trip!

Reddit

@traderjoesobsessed reports that the disco ball hanging planters go for $12.99 in stores. Their affordable price makes them such a great gift for yourself or a loved one, plus the sparkles on the disco ball are perfect for livening up your space for a New Year’s refresh.

Run to TJ’s soon – I know I will!

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Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag Break Down In Tears About “Life Changing” Public Support After $2.5 Million Home Burned Down

The world watched as the devastating L.A. fires swept away home after home last week — including reality TV icons Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt's. To say it was heartbreaking for the L.A. community would be a gross understatement, and these two have been very open about the toll it's taken on their family. In an interview with Good Morning America, the couple opened up to share about their experience — and share the incredible way friends and fans have come together to support them.

Looking for ways to help L.A. after the devastating fires? Here's a very helpful list of resources you can donate to!

Here's how fans are helping Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag after the L.A. fires

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

Heidi Montag and Spencer Pratt joined Good Morning Americaon January 15, 2025 to talk about how the L.A. fires continue to impact them. The couple shared what it was like having to quickly leave their home in a moment's notice. Heidi explained that Spencer told her to grab anything she wanted to keep, so she ended up grabbing her kids' teddy bears because she was so flustered.

When their $2.5 million home actually caught fire, Spencer got choked up talking about watching their kids' rooms burn on their cameras. He said, "Our son’s bed started just burning in the shape of a heart. The fire started in the shape of a heart. I was like, ‘This is like, out of body insane.’"

Outside of that, the couple detailed the loss beyond the material items of it all. Spencer opened up about the memories lost throughout it all, too. He said, “I feel like a ghost. I don’t have a single photo now from before an iPhone existed. I don’t have any of the dumb little things that are on your shelves in your parents’ they’re all gone. Not a single nothing.”

And to Heidi, their home was more than a physical place to live. She shared, “It’s a place that you love that you live, it’s a refuge from the world. And to have that be gone, it’s a really difficult concept to continue to daily deal with."

www.youtube.com

- YouTube

In the midst of the devastation, fans and friends have banded together to support Heidi and Spencer in a really unique way. After Spencer posted on TikTok that people should stream Heidi's 2010 album Superficial, so they can generate revenue to rebuild their lives with, people took that and ran with it. The song eventually hit #1 on iTunes, and Spencer even shared that there's potential for it to hit Billboard's Hot 100 Dance Chart, too.

And it's not just fans blasting this throwback song. Friends and fellow celebrities like Paris Hilton and Flava Flav both posted the song on TikTok. Plus, former The Hills co-stars shared the song as well, including Brody Jenner, Kristin Cavallari, and Audrina Patridge.

Heidi said, “The fan support has been such a light in such a darkness for us. It’s life-changing.”

We're sending love to Heidi and Spencer — and all the families impacted by the terrible L.A. fires this year.

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OMG, Netflix Just Confirmed The ‘You’ Season 5 Release Date (With New Video)

Joe Goldberg (Penn Badgley) is back for another season of snooping and stalking in New York City, and thanks to the new You season 5 teaser, we know exactly when this new TV show is returning. In addition to showing us characters from the past like Guinevere Beck (Elizabeth Lail), Love Quinn (Victoria Pedretti), and Marienne Bellamy (Tati Gabrielle), Joe straight-up says goodbye to the one person who's always been there: you. Yep, Netflix went there.

“Every season they manage to find new space to make it interesting and relevant,” Penn Badgley told Tudum. “And this season, I think somehow coming back to where it started allowed for it to just become grounded in the way that it needs to also have this kind of spectacular finish.”

Here's a breakdown of that brand new You season 5 teaser.

"Hello, you. Do you remember me? Cause I remember you," Joe asks in the You season 5 teaser, over shots of New York City and Mooney's Books. "Here we are together again, back to where it began."

"A lot has happened these many years together," he continues. "Identities, cities, loves, complications." The trailer is a walk down memory lane for viewers and for Joe as he remembers Beck, Love, and Marienne — and locking them up. Plus some fights and escapes he made along the way.

"All that led me here to now, to where I as always meant to be," he says. "And the one constant, the one thing that has always been there for me, is you. You who have been there the whole time and will be there with me to the end. Goodbye, you."

Okay, this is totally giving me Black Mirror, metaverse vibes, especially since Joe's in his creepy underground bunker with all that blue lighting. I have chills down my spine just watching this!

Is season 5 of You coming out?

Yes, You season 5 is dropping on Netflix April 24, 2025.

We've been waiting for new episodes since season 4 premiered in 2023, but the writers and stars have been planning Joe's ending for much longer. "We have some ideas that we've been talking about pretty much from the beginning," Sera Gamble told EW when she was showrunner in 2023. "It's really the debate about what kind of justice would be fair and appropriate for a guy like Joe. And then do we believe that he would get that kind of punishment? My short answer is like, maybe not from the American system. But there might be other ways. So that's the stuff we're talking about."

But whatever these writers and directors have up their sleeves, Penn Badgley promises You season 5 will come to a "perfect" conclusion. “I would love for people to just be like, ‘Wow, it’s over and I feel good and I don’t want to watch it again,'" he told Harper's Bazaarin March of 2023. And honestly, a perfect ending is all TV fans can hope for these days, right?

Who's in the You season 5 cast?

The final season of You stars Penn Badgley, Madeline Brewer, Anna Camp, Charlotte Richie, and Griffin Matthews.

Are you excited for the final season of You? I cannot wait to see the way Penn Badgley and Netflix bring the show to a close. Follow us on Facebook for the latest You season 5 news — and updates on all your favorite TV shows!

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