I came to floristry the way most people come to art—through a single moment that rewrites everything you thought you knew.

I was living in Korea when I commissioned a sculptural arrangement for a celebration. When it arrived, I couldn't look away. It wasn't decoration. It was sculpture, composition, movement. Something that belonged in a gallery, not just a vase. That one arrangement made me realize that flowers could be a legitimate art form, not an afterthought.

That moment became an obsession. I started studying form, negative space, and the seasonality of florals. When I founded Contra Petals in Boston, I knew exactly what kind of studio I wanted to build: one rooted in artistry and genuine partnership with my clients.

Contra Petals exists for clients who know they want something exceptional, even if they can't quite articulate what that looks like yet. Some clients come with a clear vision and want a creative partner to bring it to life. Others simply know that conventional florals won't do, and they're drawn to the work and trust me to guide the process. Both are equally exciting to me.

What matters is that you value artistry, intentionality, and work that makes people stop and look closer. Whether you're looking for creative direction or creative collaboration, my role is the same: to translate your vision, or help you discover it, into sculptural pieces that feel unmistakably yours.

Every piece I create is informed by that same standard I discovered in Korea—the kind of work that makes you stop, stare, and feel something. I'm not interested in what's trending or expected. I'm interested in creating sculptural pieces that reflect each client's unique vision and the particular beauty of each season.

This is a small studio by design. I take on a limited number of projects because exceptional work requires time, attention, and genuine creative partnership.

If you're planning something that deserves more than conventional florals (a celebration, a brand moment, or simply want to bring that gallery-worthy feeling into your space) I'd love to collaborate with you.

- Alyssa Lee, Founder & Lead Designer