Today we’d like to introduce you to Mistine Boren.
Hi Mistine, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
Studio Mistine Floral Design: A Story of Reinvention and Starting Over
Studio Mistine Floral Design is the result of my decision to step into a new chapter of my life. After more than 20 years in luxury event production—working with some of the most talented designers across the globe, from the vibrant streets of Bangkok to the scenic beauty of Napa Valley—I began questioning the deeper meaning behind my work. After turning 50, exhausted and burned out from the constant demands of high-stress events, I woke up one morning with a vision: riding my bike to my very own flower shop.
One Friday evening in October 2024—just days after I’d finally shared my dream with my husband, which in itself felt surreal—we went to Lala’s Golden Nugget, a quirky Christmas-themed bar we love and go to play pool. Afterward, we took our usual stroll through the little strip mall next door, home to a Turn Wheel Records, Thigh High Vintage, and other shops that help keep Austin weird. It was during that walk that we saw a small storefront at the very end of the strip—two charming storefront windows and a quiet kind of magic.
On a whim, we called the number on the window. The landlord answered and gave us the lockbox code right then and there. When we walked in, it was completely dark. We flipped on the lights, and the entire space—walls to ceiling—was black. And in that moment, I thought to myself, Perfect. From death to rebirth. The very next day, we signed the lease.
What started as a casual night out became the beginning of Studio Mistine Floral Design. And before I knew it, I was riding my bike to the shop.
At Studio Mistine, I focus on creating custom floral designs that go far beyond the flowers themselves. I ask meaningful questions: What matters to you? What flowers make you feel alive? What moments are we celebrating, mourning, or honoring together? Each arrangement I make is hand-crafted to reflect a client’s unique story—full of emotion, meaning, and love.
But the journey wasn’t easy. I had to confront imposter syndrome, self-doubt, and fear before I could take the leap. And yet, despite all of it, I found myself more alive than I had felt in years. I remember thinking, when I first opened, as I sat there staring out the window: How the hell am I ever going to get someone to walk through the door?
But every day, I wake up and do it again—hoping to grow, learn, and do it better. I’ve come to understand that floral design is an artform. And like any art, it demands hours of practice—never quite enough in the day. But I love learning from the flowers. How each stem speaks to me, creates a place and space to land.
This is more than a shop. It’s a love story. It’s my second act. And it’s only just beginning.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
One of the biggest challenges I faced early on—and what ultimately helped me break through—was figuring out how to photograph my arrangements in a way that captured their essence. It took time, trial, and error, but once I cracked the code, everything changed.
With a newfound confidence in my visuals, I began posting my floral creations on the neighborhood platform Nextdoor. What started as a simple effort to share my work quickly turned into a powerful marketing tool.
I created posts asking people to vote on their favorite arrangements. That small act sparked engagement. I started offering weekend drawings with discounts or free flowers for the winners—and suddenly, I saw the front door open, and the phone started to ring. Those posts helped me connect directly with my community in a meaningful and creative way.
I’m also for the time being a one-woman show. So I wear all the hats including social marketing, accounting, washing the buckets, making deliveries and design. I do it all- but I love it because I know at the end of the day where ever my flowers land, they are brining joy and comfort into people’s life.
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
With over 20 years of experience in luxury, high-end events around the world. I’ve had the privilege of working with some of the most talented florists and designers in the industry. Along the way, I realized that too often, floral design conversations were reduced to one question: “What’s your budget?” This never sat well with me. Flowers are so much more than a financial transaction—they are expressions of life, love, and emotion.
At Studio Mistine, we take a different approach. Instead of focusing on the bottom line, I want to know what matters to you. What makes you tick? What’s your favorite flower? What colors speak to your heart? What are we celebrating, mourning, or recognizing together? Every arrangement we create is a bespoke, hand-crafted expression of your story. It’s not just about the flowers, it’s about the meaning behind them—the emotions they evoke, the memories they celebrate, and the love they represent. I also hand deliver all of my creations because there is nothing more I love than seeing someone open their front door and smile from ear to ear. Its the best feeling in the world.
I’d also love to give a shoutout to FBS Appliance Showroom in Austin—where I landed my very first major account. You can see my floral work on display there anytime, and while you’re at it, explore their incredible selection of high-end appliances and luxury kitchenettes.
What’s next?
I’m excited about building my business and—if all goes well—running out of space and needing to move into a nearby warehouse. I’d love to take on more special events and weddings in the future. For now, I’ve given myself permission to “play” during this first year—to explore, experiment, and grow without pressure. Approaching it this way has allowed me to truly enjoy the process, which in turn has helped me move through the fear and paralysis that held me back for so long.
Doing something I genuinely love has brought a deep sense of purpose into my life. It feels like I’m going through a metamorphosis—both spiritually and creatively. I sometimes catch myself thinking, Why didn’t I do this sooner? But I also know it’s never too late to start over. And honestly, I’m proud of myself for finally taking the leap.
In 10 years from now, ultimately will sell my brand for hundreds of millions of dollars…just kidding. But who knows, the sky is the limit, for now, I have my jewel box that I ride my bike to everyday and get to play with flowers. And for me, that’s better than fine, it’s living and keeping things alive for as long as possible.
Pricing:
- Small Arrangements- $25
- Medium Arrangements- $65-95
- Large Arrangements- $95-195
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.studiomistine.com
- Instagram: studiomistine
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mistine.oconnor/
- LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mistine-boren-566157/
- Twitter: none
- Youtube: none
- Yelp: none
Image Credits
Photography by Elyse Theriac. www.elysemariephoto.com
