Meet Maribel Herrera

Today we’d like to introduce you to Maribel Herrera.

Maribel, can you briefly walk us through your story – how you started and how you got to where you are today.
I originally began as an art major. I dreamed of moving to New York city and locking myself in a studio and painting my little life away. I needed some money to begin the dream, so I began working at a local grocery store. They needed some help in the floral department, and the rest was history. Little by little, I began gaining more interest in Floral design and began working for small shops. I learned the basic techniques like vase arrangements, how to make a corsage, but I wanted to learn more. I did some flower research and found there were Floral Schools! Yes, a school where you could learn anything from beginners techniques, to advance, to weddings and events.

I began schooling at the Southern California School of Floral Design with the insanely talented Phil Rulloda. He sparked a fire in my passion for floral and helped me realize that the floral industry was definitely the place I wanted to be. I have since then had a lovely journey in the discovery of creativity and my love and passion for floral continues to grow each and everyday. I have had the honor of working and being mentored by some of the industries most talented designers. I have had the privilege to part take in various competitions where I have been able to showcase my work and love for floral design.

I have been able to make so many people happy by providing flowers for their very special wedding days. I have been able to instruct and spark interest in others through teaching workshops and classes. I have been able to share my floral knowledge with thousands of people by appearing on local news segments. I have been given the opportunity to share what I love with others, and I only hope I’m able to continue to impart what I know of floral design with others by continuing to grow and learn from each life experience. The best is still yet to come, and I can’t wait to bloom.

Great, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. I have dealt with a tremendous amount of judgment and criticism from my floral peers. Being a younger designer stepping into an arena of seasoned designers has been a challenge. Constantly having to prove that I am skilled, quick and talented enough to be worthy of working next to them.

I have had my work torn apart in front of me, been told that I’m not good enough, that I’ll always just be a mediocre designer. During a time those words paralyzed me and would leave me crying and self-doubting. As time has passed I’ve learned that none of these words have been true, every struggle has only brought me to be more in love with floral design.

We’d love to hear more about what you do.
I am my company. I am a freelance floral designer and floral instructor. I host workshops where you can learn how to design a centerpiece or flower crown. I work on weddings and events — every detail from the bridal bouquet to the wall of flowers. No detail too small or big gets overlooked.

I specialize in personal flowers, I do a lot of hand wire work that is very tedious and detailed. I manipulate flowers to create other forms to adorn and give life to someone’s outfit. Flower crowns, hair accessories, wearable, and bouquets are what I specialize in.

I am most proud of the flair and style I am able to help give to someone. The confidence and happiness someone feels when they walk away with one of my designs is an inexpiable feeling.

Is there a characteristic or quality that you feel is essential to success?
Creativity and Inspiration are the key components of motivation for me. They are what push me to strive for success. If I am not inspired, I find it difficult for me to get the job done.

I find inspiration in everyday life experiences; Fashion, music, food. I see creativity in movement. I feel things in color. Everything is based on emotion for me. I’m not the most logical person at times, but I’m ok with that.

Contact Info:

• Email: herreram.mh@gmail.com
• Instagram: maribel_e_herrera_
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/maribel.herrera.311

Image Credit:
Anibal Alcaraz, Wbirdimaging, Waiso Photography, True Photography

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