Meet Makeda's Got Blooms
This summer we're opening our studio to a collab with Brookland neighbor, Makeda Vanderpuije of Makeda's Got Blooms. Catch her popping up in the studio with Bloom Bars, workshops, and more! Get to know her and the blooms here.
Who are you, what do you do, and why?
Hi, it's Makeda of MakedasGotBlooms, and I've been working with flowers since 2011! I got my start assisting with, and then designing, wedding & event florals and I love to create unique and memorable arrangements in celebration of important life milestones.
Designing and teaching others how to get creative with botanicals brings me an unmatched sense of peace - being present with the scents, textures, colors and energy of flowers, and sharing from my experience, truly ignites my joy! Having flowers in my life is non-negotiable - it's a simple pleasure that brings a smile to my face and warmth in my heart.
What draws you to flowers? What do they give to you? What can we give to them?
Flowers are so much more than meets the eye - these pretty plants play a vital role in growing food that we eat and the ecological cycles that keep our earth in balance. They feed pollinators, provide compounds for use in life-saving medicines, and support healthy soils, and all they ever really ask for in return is to be admired. We can do our part by sourcing locally-grown plants whenever possible. The flower industry can be very energy-intensive, and I'm thankful to be connected to local flower producers like FlowersXFlores and more recently, to grow some of my own blooms.
What can flowers teach us about mindfulness, about nature, about life?
Cultivating flowers and creating arrangements according to the season brings so many lessons in patience, resilience and flexibility. They sprout, grow and bloom in their own time, with the right set of conditions - light, water and environment. Flowers are ephemeral, changing in every moment and eventually wilting, peacefully accepting it is time for a different part of the plant's growth cycle to begin. In a similar way, our human lives can often unfold in beautifully unexpected ways, requiring adaptability and perspective as we chart our way forward. Being with flowers can remind us to be here in the present moment and appreciate the opportunity to live and breathe with what life brings our way.
What are your favorite summer blooms? Favorite summer flower moment?
For flower-lovers in the DMV, the Lotus Festival at Kenilworth Gardens is not to be missed! The festival falls right around my mid-July birthday and features a stunning display of unique and aromatic water-rooted beauties.
Any flower care tips?
Generally, cool, fresh water that is changed out regularly can help keep flowers looking their best. I'd love to chat about specific care tips for flowers at one of our Blooms Bar or Floral Play Workshop events!
Thank you, Makeda! Register for her Juneteenth Floral Workshop in our studio, and shop her bloom bar pop-up on Friday, June 5, and Saturday, June 20!