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Image courtesy of Umberto Armiraglio

Growth, Grit, and Global Ambition

In today’s BB Podcast episode (No. 139), we’re visiting with world-renowned floral artist Kiana Underwood and her husband and business partner, Nate Underwood. Eight years after their first appearance on the Botanical Brouhaha podcast, we invited them back to reflect on the massive evolution of their business, Tulipina—from planting bulbs on their New York farm to becoming a global floral powerhouse with a 10,000-square-foot studio in Lake Como. They open up about building a business in Europe, navigating the luxury wedding industry with integrity, and finding balance between creativity, family, and ambition. It’s a powerful conversation about values, resilience, and the courage to dream big while staying grounded.

 

Image courtesy of Umberto Armiraglio

Join us as we chat with Kiana & Nate about:

• Life changes since their first podcast appearance, including an empty nest and evolving dreams
• Moving to upstate New York and establishing a second home and business in Italy
• Behind the scenes of building Tulipina’s European presence post-COVID
• The challenges and opportunities of working in the “luxury” floral market (although Nate isn’t fond of the word luxury!)
• How they structure their business to support creativity and profitability
• Why they don’t do design renders—and how they protect creative freedom
• Honest reflections on industry dynamics and staying true to your values
• Kiana’s design process from ordering flowers to wedding day improvisation
• Favorite projects, including the epic Paris Opera House wedding
• Thoughts on what luxury and success truly mean—and what’s next for Tulipina

Image courtesy of Audrey Neracoulis 

Links mentioned in this episode:

• Rachel Birthistle | The Lake Como Wedding Planner
• Greenlights by Matthew McConaughey
• Color Me Floral: Stunning Monochromatic Arrangements for Every Season (by Kiana Underwood)
• Tulipina’s Floral Fantasy: Magnificent Arrangements and Design Inspiration from World-Renowned Florist Kiana Underwood
• The Paris Opera House wedding

Image courtesy of Umberto Armiraglio

Connect with Tulipina:

• Website
• Instagram

Image courtesy of Umberto Armiraglio

TODAY’S EPISODE IS BROUGHT TO YOU BY:

MADRID FLOWER SCHOOL

Want to study floral design in Europe? Madrid Flower School offers contemporary and traditional styles and techniques with 10 instructors. Check out the professional program which also includes photography, styling, and business essentials. Offered in both Spanish and English. And watch for the Annual Madrid Blooms Floral Design Congress (2026 speakers include September Studio, Putnam Flowers, Studio Lilo, Gregor Lersch, Blue Jasmine Floral, Victoria Clausen Floral Events, and Matagalán Plantae)!

Co-Hosts: Amy McGee (BB + Bloom Trust Co.) & Natalie Gill (Native Poppy)

BB Podcast Sound Engineer: Joel McGee

Music Written & Performed by: Landon McGee

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If you enjoyed this episode, you might also enjoy hearing our first interview with Kiana Underwood.  Click here to listen.