Maker Stories Vol. 1: Beloved One Floral

BELOVED ONE is a Portland-based floral studio that brings effortless modernity and untamed wild nature to life. Inspired by the raw beauty of the Pacific Northwest, we create floral designs that feel organic, balanced, and quietly expressive. Each arrangement is a dialogue between structure and spontaneity where modern design meets the wild soul of nature.

Meet Soyoung, the founder

Soyoung is a floral artist who finds beauty in the quiet dialogue between nature and design. Born and raised in Korea, she first studied the fundamentals of flower arranging and the grace of traditional Japanese forms. Her journey later led her to Paris, where she explored European floral artistry under a personal mentor.

Now based in Portland, Oregon — surrounded by her daughter, her cat Miya, and her husband — Soyoung draws inspiration from the raw landscapes and gentle seasons of the Pacific Northwest. Her work weaves together Asian, European, and Western influences, creating compositions that feel both refined and organic.

Together with her small team who share her deep devotion to flowers, she continues to craft pieces that celebrate nature’s poetry and the art of imperfection.

Tell us a little backstory about what led you to becoming a floral artist:

In my early twenties, I wasn’t quite sure what I wanted to do. Around that time, I spent about eight months traveling in Europe and kept finding myself drawn to the flower shops — they were beautiful and full of character. Later, I started going to design and lifestyle fairs and got to watch florists at work, sharing their stories, it was so inspiring! Soon after, I took a flower arranging class — and it immediately felt right. From there, becoming a florist felt like a natural next step.

What are some things that inspire you when you are planning a floral arrangement?

I usually get inspired by nature and the seasons, but I also love looking at interiors and sculptural art — how color, light, and space work together. I try to bring those ideas into my arrangements.

What emotions or moments are you hoping people feel when they see these florals?

I hope my flowers feel like a small, unexpected moment of joy in the middle of the day — something that brings life and freshness into a space, and feels like a little piece of living art.

What’s the first thing you think about when starting a floral arrangement?

I usually start by thinking about where the flowers will go, who they’re for, and the mood I want. Then I pick colors and seasonal blooms to match.

What’s a small detail people might not notice, but you care deeply about?

I really notice the little things, like how a stem leans or which way a flower is facing. Even the small details like that can completely change the feel of the arrangement, and I think they make it feel more alive and natural.

Are you a tea drinker? If so, what does it add to your daily routine or your creative process?

I drink tea to calm my mind before I start working with flowers, and I keep drinking it as I go. Taking a moment with my tea helps me pause, look at the flowers again, and start fresh. Almost like the tea and the flowers move together through the process.

I know you typically create arrangements for Smith Teamaker based around seasonal tea launches, does tea play a part in the inspiration for colors, texture, and feeling?

Absolutely! The colors, textures, and even the vibe of the tea really inspire my arrangements. I try to capture the feeling of each blend — whether it’s cozy, fresh, or vibrant — and bring that into the flowers. I especially love the colors of the tea packaging, so I usually pick flowers that match or complement them.