HUMANS WE HEART: FLORIST LAPARIS PHILLIPS
When we first saw LaParis’s gorgeous arrangements, we just had to get to know the artist behind them. So we spent the day with her in Brooklyn and chatted about everything from her favorite local spots to how she stays inspired.
Hi LaParis! First things first—tell us a little about what you do and where you live.
I’m a floral artist and the owner of Brooklyn Blooms Floral Boutique. I currently live in Bedford-Stuyvesant, Brooklyn.
Mind if we go through a few getting-to-know-you questions?
COFFEE ORDER:
I’m more of a tea drinker. My go-to is a chai latte with macadamia milk and agave sweetener.
FAVORITE NEIGHBORHOOD SPOTS:
Well, for getting my nails done and shopping unique finds I go to Marché. They also have a connecting restaurant Café Rue Dix. The best bakery in Brooklyn is Sofia & Grace. Shalonda, the baker, is like Willy Wonka—she’s always creating the best cookies. I also love Brooklyn Tea, which has an extensive selection and makes my chai latte perfectly every time!
GO-TO OUTFIT:
I wouldn’t say that I have a go-to outfit, but I do have pieces that I gravitate towards. Vintage high-waisted jeans during all seasons, floral boots in the fall and my custom-embroidered “Boss Lady” jacket when it’s cool out.
BOOKS ON YOUR NIGHTSTAND:
Children of Virtue and Vengeance by Tomi Adeyemi
How long have you been into florals?
I’ve been into flowers and nature all my life. My family had a balloon and flower shop, so I learned a lot about design as a kid. I worked at a flower shop in college and I’ve been designing for the past 14 years.
What first drew you to it?
The beauty! What else?! Flowers can be spellbinding. Sometimes, I get blooms that literally leave me with no words because they are so breathtakingly beautiful.
Where do you turn when you need some fresh inspiration?
There are floral artists that make wearable pieces and amazing installations with fresh and dried flowers. How others see flowers keeps me thinking outside the box and wanting to explore different styles while still adding my own twist.
And finally, since this is our Humans We Heart series, is there someone you admire that you’d like to shout out?
Oh yes! My big sister, LaToshia, she’s such a force! She’s birthed five boys while still managing to get her doctorate degree in education and also run a popular barbecue restaurant with her husband in St. Louis, my hometown. She has always been an amazing big sister and I admire her grit and dedication to her family.
Thanks so much, LaParis. Get to know more Humans We Heart right here.