Meet the Founder

A woman with shoulder-length brown hair and earrings, smiling, wearing a white lace sleeveless top and black jeans, sitting on a modern wire chair against a dark gray background, holding a bouquet of yellow flowers.

Black Petal Floristry was founded by Nicole Harkness, whose love for flowers began long before the idea of a business took shape. What started as a creative outlet and deep appreciation for natural beauty gradually evolved into a calling to design florals for life’s most meaningful moments.

With a trained eye for detail and a background in design, Nicole created Black Petal as a studio where artistry and intention meet in every arrangement. For her, floral design is about more than aesthetics. It is about emotion, atmosphere, and storytelling.

After graduating from Pratt with a degree in design, Nicole built a successful career in high-end corporate office interiors in New York City. Drawn to a more organic and expressive medium, she later studied floral design at the New York Botanical Garden and began creating arrangements for friends and family. After designing her first wedding, she recognized the powerful way flowers bring people together and elevate meaningful moments.

Her style leans organic, refined, and garden-inspired, guided by seasonality and thoughtful composition. Each design is created with care, never rushed and never one size fits all.

A Studio Rooted in Passion and Purpose

A woman arranging a table centerpiece outdoors with white calla lilies, green grapes, and white candles in tall glass vases, surrounded by greenery.

A Personal Approach to Every Client

Nicole believes the best florals begin with listening. Every client brings a story, a vision, and a feeling they hope to create. Understanding that is where the design process begins.

As a boutique studio, Black Petal intentionally takes on a limited number of projects to ensure each one receives genuine attention and care. From weddings and celebrations to everyday gestures, the goal is the same: to create florals that feel personal, artful, and alive.

When you work with Black Petal, you work directly with the designer bringing your vision to life.

“Flowers are a way to celebrate, comfort, and connect. It’s an honor to be a part of those moments.”

- Nicole Harkness, Founder, Black Petal Floristry