HER STORY: How I Rebuilt My Life Through Flowers
“Floral design has given me more than just a new career - it’s given me a creative outlet, a community, and a deeper connection to what really matters.”
From Burnout to Bloom: How I Rebuilt My Life Through Flowers
Samantha Coelho – Plantita & Co. Bloom Bar & Studio
I didn’t start my business because I had it all figured out. I started it because I was completely burned out, disconnected from the career I’d spent over a decade building.
Before florals, I worked in the beauty industry for more than ten years — a world that, while creative and fast-paced, slowly began to feel more draining than fulfilling. I grew tired of telling women what was “wrong” with them, or what they needed to “fix.” It no longer felt right. I craved something honest, uplifting, joyful.
That’s when I discovered plants, and eventually florals. What began as a quiet reconnection with nature became a full-on love affair with design. Somewhere in that creative process, I found myself again.
Plantita & Co. was born. The name came from my mother-in-law, who’s Ecuadorian — she always says that adding “ita” to a word is like saying it with love. Plantita felt like the perfect fit: personal, warm, a little playful — everything I hoped this business would become.
I won’t sugarcoat it — building a business while raising two young children was no easy feat. The first four years were a blur of late-night emails, trial and error, and questioning whether I was on the right path.
Now, five years in, things feel different. I’ve learned to delegate. I’ve found the courage to say no. And perhaps most importantly, I’ve carved out more space for myself — to rest, to grow, to simply be. Floral design has given me more than a career; it’s given me a creative outlet, a community, and a deeper connection to what truly matters. Whether it’s a large-scale event, a workshop, or a wedding installation, I strive to infuse a little joy and attention into everything I create.
Lessons Learned Along the Way
Have a strong business plan before you start.
Excitement alone isn’t enough. A roadmap, even a flexible one, makes a world of difference.Find your niche — you can’t do it all.
When I started, I tried to offer everything to everyone. Over time, I realized that clarity is everything. Focus on what you do best, and the right audience will find you.If you do something with love, you’ll do it well.
This lesson comes back again and again. When your work comes from a place of genuine care and connection, people feel it. Find what lights you up, and go there.
Floral work may seem like just petals and stems from the outside, but for me, it has been a way to rebuild, reconnect, and root into a life that finally feels like mine.
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Plantita & Co. is a Toronto-based floral design studio reimagining how we experience flowers. Known for immersive floral experiences and large-scale installations, the studio specializes in corporate events, brand activations, and hands-on workshops like the signature Bloom Bar and Plant Bar. With a focus on storytelling and intentional design, every project is crafted to spark connection, evoke emotion, and leave a lasting impression.
