Thoughtful botanical experiences, thoughtfully made.
Our story
Founded in 2017 by Michelle Ishikawa, OKIMOTO is guided by a deep reverence for the natural world, where work with rooted plants and ephemeral cut flowers unfolds as careful choreography with the living world.
The OKIMOTO team is comprised of multi-hyphenate florists, artists, horticulturalists, and plant lovers who collaborate to deliver a comprehensive suite of botanical services. Working across New York City, the Harlem Valley, Hudson Valley, the greater Northeast, and beyond, the studio partners with clients to design, install, and care for plants, gardens, and floral installations with intention and attention to detail.
Michelle’s background spans interior design, project management, and fine art, with a foundation in sculpture and installation. After years spent designing and executing large-scale interior renovations, she retreated to a yurt in the Catskills, where space, stillness, and the forest floor reshaped her creative path. OKIMOTO emerged from this turning point and is named in honor of Michelle’s paternal Obachan, Yasuko Okimoto-Ishikawa, whose legacy of care and quiet perseverance continues to guide the studio’s work.
Growth through connection
In an industry where excessive waste is often a byproduct of standard methods, we take a more mindful approach—one that centers people, their spaces, and prioritizes lasting impact over short-term outcomes. Through responsible sourcing, sustainable practices, and collaborative, equitable relationships, we strive to give back to the earth as much as we borrow from it.
