Today we’d like to introduce you to Elisa Gabrielli.
Hi Elisa, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
I’ve been a creative for as long as I can remember. My journey began at seven years old in my mother’s flower shop in Rochester, NY, where I was surrounded by flowers and learned early on how powerful they can be in expressing love, comfort, and celebration. That experience shaped not only my career path, but also the way I approach design — with intention, emotion, and artistry.
After high school, I pursued my passion formally and graduated from the South Florida School of Floral Design and Management. Over time, my path evolved from florist to floral artist, educator, and creative entrepreneur as I refined my voice and expanded my work.
Today, Design by Elisa is a boutique floral studio rooted in storytelling and craftsmanship. As an award-winning designer, I focus on thoughtfully created florals for weddings, events, and everyday moments, always with a personal connection to the people and spaces I design for.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Like many creatives, one of my biggest challenges was learning how to balance artistry with the business side of running a design studio. Early on, I didn’t fully realize how much constant reinvention would be required — not just creatively, but in how I presented my work, connected with clients, and responded to an ever-changing market.
As the floral industry continued to evolve, keeping up with shifts in trends, technology, and client expectations while staying true to my own style required adaptability and resilience. Finding that balance between growth and authenticity took time, reflection, and experience.
To strengthen the business and marketing side of my work, I completed a Social Media Management Certificate program through Martin Brossman & Associates in Central North Carolina. That education helped me better understand storytelling, visibility, and client connection, allowing me to adapt intentionally rather than reactively.
Those early challenges ultimately shaped how I work today — with clarity, flexibility, and a deeper understanding of how to evolve while remaining grounded in my creative values.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My work centers on custom floral design created with intention to surpass the expectations of my client. I specialize in made-to-order arrangements, preselected designs available through my website, designbyelisa.com, and fully customized florals for clients seeking something personal and refined.
I create florals for special events, restaurant installations, small and intimate weddings, and ongoing floral needs for local businesses. My style is organic, romantic, and natural, designed to complement a space rather than overpower it, with careful attention to seasonality and detail. When available, I enjoy sourcing flowers from local farms, allowing seasonal blooms to guide the design and add a sense of place to each piece.
Education and community engagement are an important part of my work. I host local floral design classes and paint-and-sip events in collaboration with area businesses, as well as creative programs for 55+ communities and senior centers, offering accessible, hands-on experiences that encourage connection, creativity, and joy.
I also teach full-length floral design and painting classes on Skillshare and share additional tutorials, tips, and behind-the-scenes content through my Design by Elisa YouTube channel, allowing me to reach and teach beyond my local community.
Over the years, my work has been trusted by a wide range of clients, including select celebrities and public figures during my time in Palm Beach County, as well as notable clients here in North Carolina. Regardless of the project or setting, my focus remains the same — intentional design, discretion, and thoughtful craftsmanship.
For custom orders, event inquiries, and class updates, I can be contacted through Instagram at @designbyelisa_, where clients are welcome to send a direct message.
What sort of changes are you expecting over the next 5-10 years?
The floral industry is continuing to shift toward intentional, experience-driven design. Over the next five to ten years, I see a continued rise in small and intimate weddings, personalized events, and florals that feel meaningful rather than excessive.
Sustainability and seasonality are also becoming increasingly important, with clients seeking locally sourced flowers and designs that feel natural and thoughtful. Education is also playing a larger role, with more designers sharing knowledge through online platforms, tutorials, and workshops to build connection and community.
Overall, the industry is moving toward deeper personalization, creative education, and storytelling — a direction that strongly aligns with the way I approach my work.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://designbyelisa.com
- Instagram: designbyelisa_
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/designbyelisa
- LinkedIn: www.linkedin.com/in/elisagabrielli
- Youtube: @designbyelisa
- Other: https://www.skillshare.com/en/user/designbyelisa
