The Power Of Instagram & A Workshop in Santa Fe

Here’s a little story about the power of Instagram and how it brings people together IRL to make lasting and meaningful connections!

Debby Mittelman is an attorney in Phoenix with a passion for floristry and photography. She realized how much she loved flowers when she served as the event chair for a charity gala dinner and she was more concerned about the centerpieces than anything else! As a long-time board member for Chrysalis Shelter, she has hosted Valentine’s Day floral pop-up shops for several years to benefit the agency’s work. This year, as MiViva Designs LLC, she is hosting floral design classes to blend creative arts and educational opportunities to challenge and inspire the students in a collaborative setting.

In April 2017, Debby spent a week in floral studies in Washington state, attending both my Designing with Garden Roses Class and Tobey Nelson’s Whidbey Island workshop taught by both Debra Prinzing from Slow Flowers and Susan McLeary of PassionflowerSue. She had learned about both of these classes via Instagram, and really appreciated the value of the shared experiences with new flower friends!
After returning to Arizona, Debby decided to launch her first destination workshop in Santa Fe, focusing on local #SlowFlowers. In searching for Slow Flowers members in New Mexico, Debby found Hong Elder Floral Farm on Instagram and scrolled through their feed that included a lovely picture of another florist’s beautiful bouquet on #floristfriday with commentary about the inspired seasonal design. This happened to be the work of Melissa Paquin of Renegade Floral. Seeing how one florist supported another, Debby knew she had found her people! She reached out to both Steven and Melissa, who responded enthusiastically to Debby’s workshop proposal, and the Instagram circle was complete.

Now you can join the circle, and create your own lush arrangements to take home, at the Santa Fe workshop on October 4, 2017, to be held at the Railyard Park Conservancy Community room from 6:30 to 8:30 pm.

Steven and Kee-ju Hong-Elder are experienced flower farmers and designers in Albuquerque, New Mexico, cultivating boutique, heirloom and unusual floral materials at Hong Elder Floral Farm and Workroom. Steven is inspired by color and seasonality from the garden, Steven combines his backgrounds as a horticulturist and floral designer to grow and create arrangements that are lush, full and grand. Kee-ju has been obsessed with nature since he was a little boy! His interest in nature and biology has evolved into his passion for gardening and growing. Kee-ju ensures that the flowers are grown with love and care.
Melissa Paquin of Renegade Floral found her calling and passion with her very first job in a flower shop. Her joyful approach to flowers is apparent in her work, and now she has become one of the most sought-after florists in Santa Fe, New Mexico, using a romantic and artistic approach with premium seasonal products to create personalized designs for her varied clients.

The flowers coming from Hong Elder will be the best of the New Mexico fall season, according to what nature produces! Depending upon availability, this workshop will feature a selection of Amaranthus, Basil and other herbs, Broomcorn, Celosia, Chocolate Queen Anne’s Lace, Dahlias, Flowering Kale and Cabbages, Ornamental Grasses, Scabiosa and Zinnias. Melissa will guide the class in two lovely foam-free containers, one a compote style and the other a specially commissioned ceramic vessel from Kati Kenrich Hulbert of Colorado.

All supplies will be provided, so just bring yourself and maybe a friend! The evening will also include light bites and dessert from the Santa Fe B&B Inn on the Paseo. Details and Registration at https://mivivadesigns.com/workshop Don’t miss this fun and creative evening that will be perfect for all skill levels, in celebration of the amazing fall season.