We had the good fortune of connecting with Mackenzie McKinnon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Mackenzie, what are you inspired by?
The beauty of nature. The striations of color on Turkey tail mushrooms, the varieties of moss growing like a carpet in the forest, and the fiddleheads of new fern growth. The textures & colors of plants & flowers combined together to make a beautiful arrangement. The bright yellow blooms of Forsythia in the spring and towering sunflowers in the fall. The quiet & magical beauty after a huge snowfall. Wisteria vines creeping & climbing on everything in sight. The peacefulness of watching a sunrise or sunset. A walk in the forest. Sitting by the water. The unconditional love of my dogs and the ever-constant lessons they teach us.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I have worked in the floral industry for 20 years. Starting at Angelas Bella Flora in Duluth, MN. I always had a love for nature but didn’t know much about plants and flowers until starting at Bella. I found my love of plants and moved into the plant specialist role. Caring for them, educating people about them, and creating with them. From there I moved into a floral Design position. I specialize in high-end floral & plant design. I was the head designer at Bella for years before we moved to NY. I became the Head designer at Renaissance Floral design, creating lavish weddings & events. After moving to Maine in 2020 I decided it was time to start my own business with the goal of bringing nature in. There are many healing benefits of plants and flowers in your space and I want that for everyone. Being in nature is what inspires & calms me. It is grounding. I see the patterns and understand the way things grow so I am able to recreate them into living art.

I want my clients to feel immersed in the piece I create for them, whether it is a floral arrangement or plant design. I want my art to transport you to that magical place where a different world exists.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
We’d bop around Casco Bay. Drive route 1 up to Harpswell to see picturesque New England. Have a drink & a bite on the patio at the Dolphin watching the boats come and go. Hike Wolfe Neck with the dogs. Eat at Harraseeket Lunch & Lobster. Hike some more trails around our house. Watch the sunrise at Winslow Park. Day trip to Casco Bay botanical gardens!! Hike some more. Day trip to Boothbay Harbor for lunch on a patio. Sit by the fire pit at night watching the stars.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?

100% Angela Stocke- Owner of the flower shop where I began my career, and continues to mentor, and inspire me 20 years later. She is a soul friend, fellow flower and plant lover, mom, entrepreneur, life coach, artist, teacher, and a beautiful human being inside and out.

Website: thejunglecouch.com

Instagram: the.jungle.couch

Image Credits
Sarah Bryant

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