A Florist's Guide to Mexico City: The Carlota Flower Lab and Beyond
I recently spent time in Ciudad de México (CDMX) and while my experience is still fresh, I’d like to share a bit about my time with my friends Paola and Rolando of the Carlota Flower Lab in Mexico City. This was my second time teaching for this incredible husband and wife team, and this year, I was joined by my dear friend Holly Chapple.
We had an incredible time teaching and learning alongside this group (more on that in a moment).
Visiting Mexico City as a florist, and generally curious person, is always a special treat! I find it to be teaming with inspiration and invigorating experiences. From historical to edible art, I’ve compiled a list of my favorites for you to below!
The CARLOTA X Passionflower Sue x Holly Chapple EXPERIENCE
Holly and I led a group of ( 52!! ) curious, ambitious, and super talented attendees through three days of instruction and production. Day one started with Holly demonstrating a large statement piece and a garden style bouquet. Later I shared how to make many of my favorite floral accessories- from practical to fantastical, and the day ended with each attendee creating their own incredible work.
For day two and three of the workshop, we moved to the gorgeous Proyecto Publico Prim venue in the Colonia Juarez neighborhood of CDMX. In this incredibly inspiring space, Holly and I taught our philosophies on bouquet making and large scale installations. Holly led centerpiece design, and I led a session on ethereal, fashion-forward headpieces.
COLLECTIVE CREATION
When it came time for the attendees to create, we were blown away by their talent. The bouquets, centerpieces, headpieces, and installations they made were absolutely fantastic!
As a teacher, there is nothing better than walking around a workshop and seeing how each individual artist interprets and stretches the instruction. It is inspiring and life giving!
The three days were filled with incredible individual expression as well as beautiful collaborative works- the two sides of floristry that we must master to progress and grow! It was so fun to see each person’s style reflected in the works they created.
Here are some snaps of our collective creations:
MORE WORKSHOPS
If you might be interested in joining an in-person workshop like this in the future, subscribe to my e-mailings for upcoming opportunities!
Carlota Flower Lab is a very special flower studio and school. Rolando and Paola are passionate about pushing floristry forward and determined to participate in elevating our industry and it shows in all they do. The workshops they host with English speaking instructors are 100% bilingual. Simultaneous Spanish translation is done through headsets, so English and Spanish speakers both receive seamless instruction throughout these beautifully produced workshops.
Additionally, the flowers are gorgeous and plentiful, the vessels and accessories artisan made, the three-course lunches ( !! ) are delicious, and best of all, they have an incredible support team that anticipates the needs of each student- making the workshop feel calm and welcoming. Keep your eye on Carlota- they create incredible experiences!
VISIT CARLOTA IN CDMX
If you are reading this and are curious about building a vacation around a Carlota workshop, yes!! Do it!! I have fallen in love with Mexico City - It is a beautiful, inspiring, delicious, super stylish world class city to visit.
Explore mexico city
I’ve compiled some of my very favorite spots and recommendations for any florist exploring Mexico City. This list is a great starting point for your own exploration!
MARKETS & MUSEUMS
Trinicate Ceramics ( visit their shop in the Polanco neighborhood )
El Zócalo ( on market days )
Mercado San Juan ( foodie market )
CULTURAL SITES & FASHION SHOPS
RESTAURANTS
Çuina (“Culinary innovation academy” and restaurant )
Amomoxtli ( a beautiful countryside escape, about 2 hours from CDMX. I will return with my family for a getaway one day! )
Thank you to Paola and Rolando for so generously introducing me to your beautiful part of the world!
CRAVING A FLORAL MENTOR?
For detailed instruction and floral theory deep-dives, check out my new book “Flowers For All” and my extensive library of self-paced online classes.