Absolute Flower Studio is a great new flower shop between 3rd and 4th streets and McKinley that takes the flower shop stereotype (you know, the usual flowers, vases and a stuffy atmosphere) and gives it a funky new twist. It’s far from boring, in fact, it’s quit hip and a major part of the reason I have fallen in love with the place.
Owner Daniela Baca started her Downtown presence by selling flowers at the Phoenix Public Market before taking over the space on McKinley in November. Four months later, Absolute Floral Farms was open for business.
Rosie Palomino, the primary designer, has 27 years of experience in the floral field and has the ASMF and CFD certifications as well as the AIFD (American Institute of Floral Designers) – the highest certification in the floral design field.
This hip place does everything from everyday arrangements to large-scale designs for weddings. It’s a very relaxing atmosphere where you can not only pick up a pre-made arrangement but they will teach you how to create your own.
The experience of do-it-yourself flowers is a highlight. Groups can come in for 1 to 4 hours to learn how to design and create different floral arrangements. You’ll often see brides and their bridal parties in store creating their own bouquets and center pieces. And the DIY-ers aren’t just in it to save money, Absolute Flower Studio has a whole in-store experience. With a karaoke machine – just in case you feel like showing off your singing skills as you work – and the option to bring in your own wine and sip as you create, this is not your run-of-the-mill class.*
The beautiful flowers they work with come primarily from local farms, however they also import flowers from a farm in Ecuador (the equatorial locations makes for perfect flower growing weather).
Their hours are currently Monday through Saturday 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. but they stay open until 11 p.m. on First Fridays and I highly recommend including them in your art tour. During their extended First Friday hours, they do a little something special for the gallery-goers. It could be a demonstration or a showcase from a participating vendor, or a crowd around the karaoke machine singing for all they’ve got.
Stop by to visit Absolute Flower Studio and say hi to Daniela and Rosie who really make whatever occasion you’re buying flowers for even more special.
* They don’t sell or serve alcohol, however you can BYOB.