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Schentell Nunn, founder of the L.A.-based floral design studio Offerings, on the inspiration behind her joyful arrangements.

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“My work is mostly designed to replicate fantasy gardens, and the feeling of joyful moments.”

Schentell Nunn, founder of the L.A.-based floral design studio Offerings, on the inspiration behind her joyful arrangements.

How would you describe the kinds of arrangements you normally make? 

My work is mostly designed to replicate fantasy gardens, and the feeling of joyful moments. During our photoshoot, I designed a modern garden-style arrangement utilizing Icelandic poppies, spirea, sweet peas, larkspur, lisianthus, hydrangea, helleborus and fruiting myrtle. 

Favorite flower, if you had to choose only one. 

If I had to pick two favorites, sweet peas and garden roses come to mind. 

Why did you call your business Offerings? What does that mean to you, and what do you hope it conveys to others?

"Offerings" is in reference to the deep connection that humans have had with flowers since the very beginning. In almost every culture, flowers are utilized to show respect and love during ceremonies of all kinds. Flowers are really just an offering of respect in so many ways. 

Can you tell us a bit about your grandmother’s garden? What did it look like? How did it inspire you? 

My grandma lived in the Bay area. Had a deep love for plants and gardening. The backyard was overflowing with lots of greenery and flowers. In my teenage years, it excited me to be in that heartwarming space.

Why did you decide to work with flowers as a medium? 

I grew up moving often and spending a great deal of time outdoors. My mother is from Vermont, so my brothers and I were very comfortable playing and being creative in nature. I have been fascinated with plants and rocks and natural textures my entire life. I began working as a florist at 17 in Vermont, and at 20, moved to San Francisco to study Interior Architecture. In early 2017, I began working in flowers again, and Offerings was born mid 2018. 

What is your process like? Do you meticulously plan things out in advance, or do you just start by just putting things in a vase and then experimenting till it's right? 

When shopping for florals I am always drawn to whatever seems to glow and have presence. Floristry is really just painting with flowers. You start to think in highlights and lowlights and what will draw one's eyes around the piece. I’m often most excited for creative freedom and mixing warms with cools. 

I never design with specific expectations of the final product. Since flowers are perishable, I think most floral designers have grown to be extremely resilient and able to create openly. Most things I design surprise me when I finish, and I’m often saying, “I would be so happy if I received this!” I’m just as surprised and excited for the work as maybe the recipient is. 

I am often inspired by emotions, feelings and natural occurrences. The way a moment feels, or the way a branch grows naturally. When designing for clients, I love to hear how they would like a moment to feel, or what the occasion is. A client recently asked for the flowers for her wedding to feel like "cutting into a fig" and it's honestly one of the events I am most excited to design for this year.

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