From Weddings to Ikebana: How Florist Lia Colapietro is Redefining Her Creative Practice
We first met Lia Colapietro when she joined one of our beginner ikebana courses online—and were instantly captivated by her sculptural, grounded aesthetic and quiet confidence as a floral artist. Based in Toledo, Ohio, Lia is the founder of Loden Floral, an Ikebana student, and a practicing ceramicist whose work bridges the handmade and the ephemeral.
In this interview, Lia reflects on a floral career that spans over two decades—from the days of stephanotis in hot houses to the modern challenges of creative burnout. As she transitions away from the hustle of floristry and leans into ikebana, her story offers a powerful reminder that our paths are always evolving.
How were you introduced to the world of flowers?
Over 25 years ago (!), I found myself working in a flower shop that had an old hot house attached - from the days that florists grew things like orchids, calla lilies, gardenias, and stephanotis. I knew nothing about these types of flowers at the time, but I quickly became charmed with these special blooms and have been working with flowers ever since.
Why do you love working with flowers?
Flowers are a never ending supply of texture, scent, and color. What a fantastic medium for a creative person!
What is the best advice you have received through your floral arrangement journey?
Always edit - negative space adds interest.
What inspired you to turn your passion for flowers into a business?
I've never known what I wanted my career to be - I think I fell into floral work because I excelled at it. My passion for it waxes and wanes and I'm certain that I still don't know what's in store next for me.
Are there any artists who you look up to or inspire you most?
In the flower world, I adore and am endlessly inspired by Emily Thompson and Frida Kim. And then there is my dear friend and artist Lisa Waud - Lisa works in a completely different way from me but her constant creativity and zest for life is something I aspire to.
Where do you source your floral materials, vases & tools?
For tools, I'm always keeping my eyes open on my travels for beautiful snips and vintage vessels. For utilitarian tools and supplies, the local floral wholesale houses are my go to. Additionally, I make many of my own ceramic vases.
How would you describe your style of floral art?
My mom once called it "strategic randomness" and I think that fits pretty well! I enjoy creating sculptural/organic/inspired/minimal arrangements with an emphasis on seasonality.
Do you have a favourite material or season?
No!
What is the advice you would give to someone who is studying or wanting to study floral arrangement?
Observe and pay good attention to all sorts of art and design - not just florists. You can learn so much about quality, color, and line by being inspired and aware. Go and learn from florists and designers who've been doing this job for a long time - we have a lot of great mechanics and tips to share that you often miss out on by jumping ahead.
What's been your best "I LOVE MY JOB" moment?
I truly love delivering a bouquet of flowers to someone - that surprised smile is the best. The other best part is when someone loves my work because they found it creative and interesting - those conversations are always special.
What are the biggest challenges you face working with flowers as a job?
Lately the challenge for me has been that my desire to hustle has faded - physically, event work is demanding and artistically, it's difficult to connect with clients who share my vision and understanding of cost.
For flower lovers - where would you recommend they visit in your city in a 24 hour visit?
Places in my area that will connect you with flowers are:
- The Toledo Museum of Art (our collection is phenomenal with no shortage of flowers in paintings along with lovely plantings as you stroll the grounds)
- Hafner Florist (they have the best stocked flower cooler in town for everyday shoppers)
- The Toledo Botanical Gardens
- Ben Sell Greenhouse (if you love weathered tattered hot houses)
- The 577 Foundation (community garden plots and a geodesic greenhouse set on an old estate that's been gifted to the town of Perrysburg)
What is ahead in your flower future?
My flower future is definitely in transition at the moment. I closed my shop almost a year ago and I'm down to my last few weddings - all by design. I'm not exactly sure what's next for me work wise, but I'm thrilled to be in the ikebana community as it feels more aligned with how I like to design. I would love to explore how my ceramics practice and floral design can commingle!
Huge thanks to Lia for sharing her honest, evolving story with our Flower Club readers. Her reflections on creativity, burnout, and rediscovery will resonate with so many in our community—especially those rethinking what it means to work with flowers in a sustainable, fulfilling way.
To follow Lia’s floral and ceramic work, you can find her on Instagram at @lodenfloral and @liacolapietro.art, or visit her website at www.lodenfloral.com. We can’t wait to see what blooms next.