An ethereal floristry studio filled with magic and botanical alchemy run by Rachel DeAngelo in Lyndhurst, New Jersey.
Read our Q&A with Rachel where we talk all things flowers, fairies and magic and find out all about her botanical inspiration and passion for floral design.
1. How were you introduced to the world of flowers?
Flowers sort of introduced themselves to me, through whispers. It was a time when I was not so sure which direction my life was headed in. And I was taking lots of walks around my neighborhood to clear my mind. Just noticing the flora adorning the walkways and even growing through the cracks in the pavement. I began to feel certain flowers calling to me, beckoning my curiosity about them.
Bleeding Heart in particular was making its presence very felt in my life. Everywhere I went, I would find this flower (that I’d never really encountered before), gently emanating toward me with its message. I knew from that moment on, a new world was opening up to me, and this would be the beginning of my journey on the flower path.
2. Why do you love working with flowers?
I love working with flowers because they are forever reminding me, the most beautiful thing we can do is show up exactly as we are. Every flower is so different in its expression, and yet each shows up as themselves… so perfectly, so naturally. I see flowers not only as reflections of beauty in nature, but as ethereal messengers and elemental guides. Each carrying a unique signature of living medicine that has the power to support and transform us, in the gentlest of ways.
Weaving this belief into my arrangements has allowed me to create work that feels really magical and meaningful to me. To make beauty around me is the way I offer devotion and gratitude, a practice handed down to me by my mother. And I have found no avenue more resonant to me, than to do this work with flowers. Amplifying their beautiful harmonies and sharing their healing frequencies with my community.
3. What is the best advice you have received through your floral arrangement studies?
Through my floral explorations, I’ve been so lucky to learn from artists who have encouraged me to “do it the way you feel it”. I needed this affirmation in a lot of ways. I think it is important to follow your instincts and to discover your own style. Because it’s the distinct perspective you bring to your creations that makes them so exciting and special. And I think, when you feel what you are making, so do other people.
4. How did you manage to turn your passion into a business?
I am still working at it, little by little. The first step for me was to put my intention out there. I knew I wanted to work with flowers and I was super open to how this would look. I found myself managing a lovely little flower shop in Hoboken, NJ and learning how to design among super talented artists. But I still have a yearning to incorporate my love for flower essences and plant medicine into my art. And so, I’ve recently launched a botanical studio of my own, a work in progress called “Eden Frequency.”
5. Are there any artists who you look up to or inspire you most?
Oh yes, two incredible artists inspire me every day with their creativity and passion for their craft. Molly Revie of @Whimsy_Flower and Lorena Eni of @lorenaeniflowers. I look up to the way each of these artists has such a strong flower voice. It is a delight to see their innovative designs and soul expression through flowers. I’m also a huge fan of Anne ten Donkelaar’s work. Her Underwater Ballet series is a dream!
6. Where do you source your floral materials, vases & tools?
I love to source my flowers from local farms and cooperatives whenever possible. Residing in New Jersey offers me an abundance of opportunity to do so, with an array of gorgeous flower farms, just a 45 minute drive away. Witnessing the process of nurturing these flowers and being able to hand-select each fresh stem is an experience that brings me immense joy. During the off season I am able to pop over and explore the renowned NYC floral district. The diversity showcased there is unparalleled, there’s nothing like it. Being able to juxtapose the tranquility of local farms with the electric energy of the city reflects something about my own nature and keeps things new. Like I’ve found myself in flower heaven.
7. How would you describe your style of floral art?
I like to describe my flower style as ethereal and inspired by elemental magic… I love using delicate petals, celestial colors, and dreamy textures. I wish for my designs to evoke a sense of mystery that you might feel upon entering an otherworldly garden.
8. Do you have a favorite material or season?
Oh it’s so hard to choose a favorite. But right now I’m really loving the way everything is blooming in between seasons. The air is starting to change, and the gardens are turning over into these golden sunset tones of autumn. I’m excited to incorporate more fruit and veg into my fall tablescapes. And I always love to work with moss, no matter the time of year. Using it as a base immediately transports me to a cool forest floor and invites the fairies in.
9. What is the advice you would give to someone who is studying or wanting to study floral arrangement?
Just play. One of the greatest gifts flower arranging has given me is the reminder that our work is supposed to feel like play. We don’t have to lose that sense of freedom and childlike wonder. We can accomplish so much through play alone.
10. Do you have any good floristry secrets / tips to share?
Hmm.. a nice tip for hellebore lovers; try to choose stems that have seed pods! Their vase life will be a lot longer when they are at this stage. Another good trick is to score their stems and before storing in deep cool water. Discovered among flower friends after many rounds of melty flowers! If you have any other good hellebore secrets, please send them our way.
11. What is ahead in your flower future?
Some exciting things, fingers crossed! I am planning to launch a collection of intentional arrangements designed with highly sensitives and dreamers in mind. And next spring I will be making essences using flowers from my garden, to offer in tandem with personal flower consultations for those interested in deepening their connection with subtler realms of nature. I’m really happy to be in this moment of following callings that have been incubating in the chrysalis for some time now.
12. For flower lovers – where would you recommend they visit in a 24 hour visit near your city?
Ooh there are lots of secret magic spots to explore near me. But my favorite must-see location is the meadowlands. It was actually once a very polluted landfill, but has since been transformed into a beautiful marshy nature reserve. This place is thriving with native grasses, wildflowers, and the most incredible birds and butterflies who grace the lands. Long long ago, it is said to have been the site of an ancient volcano, and I think you can still feel that aliveness. Everytime I visit the meadowlands, they reveal another secret to me. A piece of my heart definitely resides here.
Business Details
Website: edenfrequency.com
Instagram: @edenfrequency
Services: Flower Consultations, Custom Flower Orders, Styling and Adornment
Do you have a shop front open to the public or by appointment only? Appointment only