Meet Melissa Erker | Floral Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Melissa Erker and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Melissa, why did you decide to pursue a creative path?
Because I needed to. Creativity has always been part of who I am, and I knew early on that I wouldn’t thrive in a traditional office setting. I tried it, sitting under fluorescent lights, answering emails, staring at a computer all day, but it drained me. I wanted to create, to work with my hands, to bring ideas to life in a way that felt meaningful.

Floral design gives me that freedom. It’s the perfect blend of art and nature, and no two days are ever the same. One day, I’m crafting romantic wedding florals; the next, I’m designing bold installations for corporate events. It challenges me, inspires me, and allows me to bring beauty into people’s most important moments.

Flowers by Melis isn’t just a business, it’s an extension of my creativity. And I can’t imagine doing anything else.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
Floral design is more than just arranging flowers, it’s about storytelling, emotion, and creating an experience. What sets Flowers by Melis apart is my ability to take a couple’s vision (even if they don’t know exactly what they want!) and turn it into something that feels uniquely them. I don’t much enjoy doing cookie-cutter designs, so when a client comes to me with that, I like to enhance it or find a way to change it a bit. Every wedding or event I work on is customized to reflect the personality, style, and vibe of the client, whether that’s romantic and whimsical, modern and elegant, or something totally unexpected.

I’m especially proud of the relationships I’ve built with my clients and industry peers. Flowers are such an emotional part of a wedding or event, and I love that people trust me to bring their vision to life. Seeing a client’s reaction when they walk into a space filled with flowers I designed, there’s nothing better than that!

How did I get to where I am today?

A lot of hard work, trial and error, and refusing to give up. I started out by taking floral courses, working in flower shops, and freelancing for weddings whenever I could. Eventually, I trained at the Judith Blacklock School of Flowers in London, which really refined my skills and gave me the confidence to start my own business.

Was it easy? Absolutely not. The floral industry is physically demanding, and running a business is no joke. There were moments of doubt, exhaustion, and imposter syndrome. But I pushed through by staying focused on why I started, because I love creating. And over time, I found my style, built a loyal client base, and turned my passion into a full-time career.

Lessons I’ve learned along the way?

– Not every client is your client, and that’s okay. The right ones will find you.
– Communication is just as important as design. Being reliable and easy to work with makes a huge difference.
– Creativity needs boundaries: budget, seasonality, and logistics all play a role, but that’s where the magic happens.

What do I want the world to know about Flowers by Melis?

I’m not just here to make pretty arrangements, I’m here to create something meaningful and memorable for my clients. I care deeply about the details, the experience, and making sure each event feels special. My designs aren’t just about flowers; they’re about telling a story, setting a mood, and making people feel something.

At the end of the day, I just love what I do. And I think that passion shows in every arrangement I create.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Sure! Here’s a version with all your favorite spots and more of your personal favorites:

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**Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them?**

If my best friend were visiting, we’d start the trip with a visit to the Hollywood Farmers Market. It’s one of my favorite places to grab fresh produce, flowers, and artisanal goods, plus the atmosphere is always vibrant and fun. From there, we’d head over to The Getty to explore world-class art collections and wander through the gorgeous gardens with stunning views of LA. After soaking in the art, we’d grab lunch nearby maybe at Gjelina in Venice, which has great food and a perfect vibe for a laid-back meal.

For a bit of fun, we’d hit up Universal Studios Hollywood for the day. Whether it’s the rides, the studio tour, or the Wizarding World of Harry Potter, there’s always something exciting to do. In the evening, we’d catch a show at the Ahmanson Theatre, which is home to fantastic productions. Afterward, we’d head to Perch for rooftop drinks and to soak in the skyline.

The next day, we’d make sure to spend some time at Griffith Observatory to take in breathtaking views of the city and get a little science history while we’re at it. It’s a great spot for a hike, and the sunset there is unbeatable.

We’d also have to spend some time in Long Beach, of course! We could start the day with a relaxing stroll around Belmont Shore, it’s such a charming area with local boutiques and cafes. We could grab a coffee at The Coffee Cup and enjoy the beachy vibes. For dinner, I’d take them to Heritage, a Michelin-star restaurant in Long Beach known for its exceptional food and unique twist on classic flavors.

Another must-do in Long Beach would be visiting the Aquarium of the Pacific it’s both fun and educational, and the exhibits are always impressive. If we had time, a walk along Rainbow Harbor with views of the Queen Mary would be a perfect way to unwind before we head back to LA.

No trip would be complete without some beach time, so we’d take a relaxing afternoon at Santa Monica Beach or Venice Beach, where we could walk the boardwalk and soak up the sun. To cap off the trip, we’d head to The Rooftop by JG at the Waldorf Astoria for a chic dinner and cocktails with views of the coast.

LA has so many diverse areas to explore, from vibrant city streets to laid-back beach vibes, art, and great food, so it would definitely be a fun, action-packed week!

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
There’s no way I got here on my own, and I’m so grateful for the people who have supported me along the way. First, a huge shoutout to Tyler of TK Floral Design, an incredible florist, mentor, and all-around amazing human. His advice and encouragement have been game-changing for me, especially when it comes to running a business with confidence.

I also have to give credit to the incredible community of event planners, vendors, and fellow florists who truly believe in collaboration over competition. Getting to work alongside such talented people pushes me to grow and keeps this industry exciting.

And of course, my family and close friends, who have cheered me on, listened to me talk about flowers *way* too much, and supported this dream from day one. I couldn’t have done it without them.

Website: https://www.flowersbymelis.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/flowersbymelis/

Image Credits
Aimee Matias Photo, Tracy Rinehart, Intrigue Design Team, Isaiah Everett Photography