14
Florist Spotlight
January | 2023
FR: How did you get your start in the orist industry?
MM: I'm from Venezuela, so I grew up surrounded by
very large, beautiful nature—rain forests, beaches inside
rainforests, etc. I studied law, but I never worked as a
lawyer. I've always loved design, especially interior
design. After I came to the United States, COVID hit,
and I was at home alone. I saw an opportunity for an
online fl ower-arranging workshop, so I registered for it.
I have always loved fl owers, and I have always had fl owers
in my homes, in Venezuela and here. When the online
workshop fl owers came, I had so much fun creating a
centerpiece with a fl orist. It felt eff ortless, and I knew
that I had found my passion. After the workshop, I
started creating arrangements, photographing them and
posting the photos on my personal Instagram. Family and
friends said, "It looks like you've always done this! Why
haven't you done this before?" So, in July 2020, I started
my business, Madonna Lily, which is based in my home.
I primarily do freelance work for fl oral friends and event
companies, but I also do arrangements for my growing list
of clients. In the future, I would love to do some traveling
with freelance, which would be great for me because I love
to travel, and it's one of my main sources of inspiration.
Mariela Mazzei
Madonna Lily
Miami, Fla.
@madonna__lily_
By Jules Lewis Gibson
Mazzei was the
winner of our
Valentine's Day
"Best in Blooms"
contest featured in our
December 2021 issue.
