Meet Ashlee Marinello

We caught up with the brilliant and insightful Ashlee Marinello a few weeks ago and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Ashlee, really happy you were able to join us today and we’re looking forward to sharing your story and insights with our readers. Let’s start with the heart of it all – purpose. How did you find your purpose?

I found my purpose through a desire to create connection and shared moments of beauty. When I moved to New Mexico, I was new to the area and found myself missing community. I wanted to build something that felt welcoming and meaningful, something that encouraged people to gather and feel at ease with one another.

Flowers have always been part of my life. My mother and grandmother were both florists, so I grew up understanding flowers as more than decoration. They were a way to mark moments, express care, and bring people together. As I explored my own path, I realized that what mattered most to me was not designing arrangements for others, but inviting people into the creative process themselves.

Branch and Bloom grew from that idea. The focus is not on perfection, but on participation. Guests are encouraged to design their own arrangements, trust their instincts, and enjoy the experience of creating something personal. Flowers are simply the medium. The purpose is to spark creativity, foster connection, and bring joy to celebrations both large and small.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am the founder of Branch and Bloom, a floral experience centered on creativity, community, and connection. Through The Flower Bar, I work closely with event hosts to create a unique, guest-centered experience using seasonal flowers. The Flower Bar can be part of private gatherings, celebrations, and pop-ups, offering guests the opportunity to design their own arrangements in a relaxed and welcoming setting.

What feels most special about this work is the focus on the guest experience. Rather than centering the event around a finished product, Branch and Bloom emphasizes the process. Guests are encouraged to slow down, choose what resonates with them, and create something personal. This approach naturally invites conversation, creativity, and a sense of ease that stays with people beyond the event itself.

Professionally, I am focused on partnering with hosts, venues, and local businesses who value thoughtful details and meaningful experiences. Each Flower Bar is tailored to the gathering, with the goal of complementing the event while creating space for connection and creativity.

I am especially excited to be part of ABQ Mom’s Night Out this February, where The Flower Bar will be a space for mothers to connect, create, and enjoy a moment just for themselves. As Branch and Bloom continues to grow, I am expanding pop-up opportunities and private event offerings throughout New Mexico, while staying rooted in warmth, intention, and community.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, one of the most impactful skills in my journey has been my background in event planning. Before Branch and Bloom, I spent years planning wine events, parties, and gatherings, which gave me a strong understanding of how people move through a space, what helps guests feel comfortable, and how thoughtful details shape an experience. That foundation continues to inform how I approach The Flower Bar today. For those early in their journey, I would encourage paying attention to how people experience what you are creating, not just what you are offering.

The second quality was a willingness to start before everything felt fully figured out. Many elements of Branch and Bloom developed through real events and real interactions rather than extensive planning. Allowing the business to evolve through doing made room for clarity, growth, and refinement over time. For anyone just starting out, taking small, imperfect steps can be far more valuable than waiting for certainty.

The third was learning to trust my own perspective. Creating a guest-led floral experience does not follow a traditional model, and it took time to feel confident leaning into something that felt different. Trusting what felt aligned helped shape a brand that reflects my values and approach. My advice to others would be to honor what feels natural to you. Often, your unique perspective and past experience are exactly what give your work its strength.

All the wisdom you’ve shared today is sincerely appreciated. Before we go, can you tell us about the main challenge you are currently facing?

One of my current challenges is translating the in-person experience of Branch and Bloom into an online space. The Flower Bar is rooted in connection, conversation, and shared moments, which do not always translate easily to social media.

To work through this, I am being more intentional about how I show up online. Rather than focusing on volume or trends, I am concentrating on sharing moments that reflect the heart of the experience, behind-the-scenes glimpses, real gatherings, and the people who bring the work to life. My goal is to use social media as an extension of the community I am building in person, rather than treating it as a separate performance.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.branchandbloomnm.com/
• Instagram: @branchandbloomnm
• Facebook: https://facebook.com/branchandbloomnm