Meet Our Lead Floral Designer

Meet Andrea | Lead Floral Designer | Garden Muses Studio | Washington DC
Andrea — Lead Floral Designer, Garden Muses Studio
Meet the Designer

Hi, I'm
Andrea

Owner & Lead Floral Designer · Garden Muses Studio

I come from a background in chemistry, not floristry — and I think that's exactly what makes the work what it is. Precise, intentional, and always rooted in a deep love of the process.

M.S. Chemistry R&D Scientist → Floral Designer Washington DC Foam-Free Advocate
The Story

How It All Began

My journey into floral design began quietly and organically. While pursuing my undergraduate degree, I worked at Trader Joe's — and found myself constantly drawn to the flower displays. What started as purchasing premade bouquets soon evolved into creating my own weekly arrangements, selecting individual bunches and teaching myself how color, shape, and texture could come together in harmony.

I hold a master's degree in chemistry and moved to the Washington DC area in 2021 to work as a Research and Development Scientist in the pharmaceutical industry. Living in a new city, away from close friends and family, I found myself returning more deeply to floral design as both a creative outlet and a grounding practice. I began studying floral techniques, exploring design mechanics, and intentionally learning sustainable methods — including foam-free mechanics like chicken wire. With my scientific background, understanding the environmental and chemical impact of floral foam made discovering eco-conscious alternatives especially meaningful.

As the demands of my scientific career intensified, I made the decision to step back into a more flexible role as a project coordinator. That shift gave me the space to fully immerse myself in floral design. I volunteered at a local flower farm, learning firsthand how flowers are grown — tending soil, sowing seeds, and participating in the early stages of the harvest. I also began freelancing with established floral design companies across the DC area, contributing to large-scale events with budgets exceeding $30,000. These experiences deepened my technical skill, sharpened my design eye, and shaped the work I create today.

"Through all of it, one thing remained constant — the calm and joy I felt whenever I worked with flowers. Designing became a place of presence, gratitude, and emotional grounding. That feeling is what ultimately led me to create Garden Muses Studio."

Master's Degree in Chemistry

A scientific foundation that informs everything — from understanding sustainable mechanics to sourcing decisions and material impact. Precision and intention are built into the work from the start.

Volunteer Experience at a Local Flower Farm

Learned firsthand how flowers are grown — tending soil, sowing seeds, and participating in the early stages of the harvest. That connection to the source informs how we source and design.

Freelance Experience with DC-Area Studios

Contributed to large-scale events with budgets exceeding $30,000, working alongside established floral design companies across the DC area. These experiences deepened technical skill and sharpened the design eye.

Self-Taught · Experience-Led

Built through years of practice, study, and real-world execution — not a traditional floral school. That independence shows in the work: bold, expressive, and free from formula.

Garden Muses Studio

Let's Create Something Beautiful

"Garden Muses Studio exists to create beauty that is felt as much as it is seen — and I'm so glad you're here."