Meet Kayla Wyllie Mitchell | Thistle & Oak Floral Co. Owner & Lead Designer

We had the good fortune of connecting with Kayla Wyllie Mitchell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Kayla, is there something you can share with us that those outside of the industry might not be aware of?
Doing flowers for weddings in particular is so much hard work and not just “playing with pretty flowers all day” as so many believe- it combines not only physical stressors but mental and emotional ones as well; there is a lot of *literal* blood, sweat and tears throughout the process. You wear so many hats between writing proposals and designing mood boards, sourcing and ordering flowers and hard goods, email and phone call consultations/meetings with couples and planners alike, trying to be good about posting on social media (which, I haven’t always been historically good at, haha) and then actual production and event days- there’s a lot of work that happens behind the scenes for any one single event. Weddings are my heart and soul though- and now after being in the floral industry specializing in weddings for almost ten years- I can’t imagine doing anything else! It makes my heart so beyond full and thankful to play a small role in what is arguably one of the most important days in people’s lives. Being brought into some of life’s most precious, intimate moments and being able to create art is truly something beyond my wildest dreams and I’m eternally grateful for that.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
Some might not consider wedding florals as an art form- but, I definitely do. The world of floristry as a whole is an art form- and arguably, one of the hardest mediums. From the moment a flower is cut, we as designers are just trying to preserve it in its natural form for as long as humanly possible- trying to suspend the beauty of each flora and foliage for a little bit longer in time and space, and it is constantly this race against the clock- and to me, that makes it challenging at times but in the best way possible.

I would love to say that I am breaking the boundaries in the floral world with my arrangements and designs- but, I don’t think that is necessarily true. My pieces are inspired by the world around me; I tend to use local, seasonal products as much as possible and my designs are bespoke, organic, airy and ethereal in composition. I love to use a variety of textures and sizes in blooms and foliage, and honor the natural movement of each flower. I definitely have my favorites (sweet peas, ranunculus, fritillaria and blooming branches in the spring time, dahlias, cosmos and zinnias in the summer and fall, flannel flower, daffodils and hellebores in the winter) that I regularly go back to time and time again- but, no two designs are ever the same. I also draw a lot of inspiration from the couples that hire me and so, I want the flowers we use in their wedding to be as unique and timeless as their individual love story.

Each day and each week is a new opportunity to create and that in itself makes me excited. I am truly so thankful I get to wake up and make art every single day- and that people that have seen my work like it enough to allow me the privilege of doing so for them as well. There are so many options in LA, and the fact that they have chosen me is a tremendous honor.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh wow, this is a hard question! So many things to do and see in LA proper and the surrounding areas! Okay, well, I would obviously have to take them to the LA Flower Market first thing bright and early! It can be so overstimulating but in the absolutely best way and is truly a sight to see. Besides all the beautiful flowers, foliage and plants to take in, there is also so much happening all around you at all times. Other notable places I would take someone are: Hauser & Wirth Museum, The Broad Museum, LACMA, Griffith Observatory, Grand Central Market, the Huntington Gardens and Mount Baldy and specifically The Mount Baldy Lodge. It’s truly so hard to narrow this down though- because I love so many different areas of LA for different reasons!

But, some foodie places would definitely be the following:

Girl & the Goat (Arts District): Truly one of the best meals in all of LA in my opinion. Everything I’ve tried there is beyond FABULOUS. The goat curry is UNHINGED. Chef Stephanie knows what she is doing in that kitchen and executes every. single. dish. every. single. time. The ambiance is so lovely and they also have a killer bar program. Have genuinely never been disappointed with any menu item I’ve ever tried and recommend it religiously to anyone and every one.

Bacari (Silverlake): This place gets packed and for good reason. The outdoor seating is next level and even though you’re right on Sunset Blvd. you would never guess it- that patio transports you. The tapas style menu also allows you to try a multitude items that are all bursting with flavor. Some of my favorites are the salatim- the beet muhammara is *chefs kiss*- the sea bass, and the scallops. I’ve never been for brunch on the weekend, because, weddings- but, would absolutely jump at the opportunity to do so. The 90 minute open bar tab program is quite enticing and that coupled with the divine food and atmosphere sounds like a Sunday well spent in my book!

Checkerhall (Highland Park): One of my husband and I’s most favorite places for date night, we’ve been dining here since 2017/2018. Checkerhall is absolutely one of the coolest restaurants nestled upstairs on the corner of Figueroa & 56th Ave. in Highland Park. Their Mediterranean tapas style menu, eclectic ambiance and vibrant bar program brings us back time and time again. They are always incredibly hospitable and knowledgable- checkerhall holds such a special place in my heart.

Roma Market (Pasadena): For the most simple, delicious lunch, I will always say Roma Market off of Lake in Pasadena. My husband and I lived in Pasadena for a while and this was and still is one of our absolute favorite places to eat. The sandwich is an authentic Italian sub consisting of the perfect crusty bread, olive oil, capicolla, mortadella, salami and provolone. True perfection wrapped up in pink butcher paper made by the same man every, single day. You have to make sure and get there early though, because once they’re sold out, they’re gone for the day!

Taco Treat (Arcadia): 5 words- Fried Bean & Cheese Burrito. A family favorite in our household- although, between myself and my in-laws, the constant debate is Taco Lita or Taco Treat. I will always choose Taco Treat.

Mary’s Market (Sierra Madre): One of my absolute favorite breakfast spots in all of LA County. Nestled in the lower canyon of Sierra Madre, Mary’s Market is so quaint and tranquil. This little cafe has both breakfast and lunch menu items, although, I’ve only ever been for breakfast. Some of our family’s favorite menu items include: eggs Benedict, breakfast burrito, cowboy bowl, and waffle!

Okay, favorite watering holes (although, don’t get to do this too often now that we have a toddler)!:

Mozwell (Claremont): One of my dear friends opened up this little gem six months ago- and trust me when I say, it is a gem. Ryan & his team at Mozwell make some ridiculously good cocktails and the ambiance is always on point, If you’re ever in the Claremont area, make sure you check it out. SO WORTH IT.

Good Housekeeping (Highland Park): Located behind where Cafe Birdie used to be in Highland Park, Good Housekeeping has been a favorite for quite some time. The bar is now always bustling (it used to be pretty quiet apart from the weekends) but, my husband and I recently revisited and were just as impressed as we used to be. The cocktails are delicious, the stereo that is on the back bar is next level, and there’s usually someone DJ’ing. Truly always a good time.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Oh man- where to begin! SO many amazing people have attributed to my success both past and presently.

First and foremost, I would have to thank my husband- who has been the absolute best partner through every season and all the peaks and valleys in every facet of life. He has always believed in me, challenged me in the best way possible, encouraged me and quite literally been my right hand man through every version and stage of this business. He is there to both celebrate the wins and pick me up with the trials and tribulations, but also keeps pushing me forward and rooting me on. He has captured so many beautiful moments of my work (he does photography himself!) while also prepped countless candles, processed all the flowers and foliage, cleaned out dirty buckets, and been there at the end of the night to help me clean it all up. Without his unwavering support, dedication and love, none of this would have been or be possible. There are no amount of words I could string together that could ever describe just how endlessly grateful I am for all that he is. He is my biggest inspiration.

Next, I would have to thank our incredible family and son, Elliott. Their belief and support from the beginning have made all the difference. They do so much both on and off the scenes by enabling me to work and constantly helping out with Elliott whenever and wherever. They are also my number one cheerleaders, some of my earliest customers and have provided me with so many opportunities to create. Elliott has been one of my greatest muses since he came into our world and has already taught me so much in his 2.5 years of being earth side. Being able to share my world of flowers with him and experience it all through his eyes is an unparalleled feeling. He recently made one of his first arrangements and it just about made me come undone.

I also owe a HUGE ol’ thank you to Rachael Lunghi from Siren Floral Co. for really believing in me from the start. I took one of her bouquet workshops out of her studio in San Diego when I first started out- having literally no experience of ever making a bouquet- and her guidance, knowledge, and expertise in the floral world gave me the confidence to just go for it and pursue a career. She couldn’t believe I had never made a bouquet prior to that class and gave me the opportunity to start making connections in the industry by freelancing for her. She was so incredibly patient and understanding with me and someone who’s work I have always admired and been inspired by. So, thank you Rach for being such an advocate and sharing your talents and knowledge in the way you do!

I also need to thank my incredible flower rep, Eddie, and the entire Mayesh LA Market team who, time after time, provide me with the absolute best blooms to design with! They go above and beyond for all us designers and work so dang hard. They definitely deserve some recognition because none of it would be possible without them.

I need to thank my floral and wedding professionals community. I have met some of the absolute BEST human beings that have become not only friends but my family. I am constantly in awe of the beauty everyone is able to create and am so inspired by their many talents and constantly pushing the envelopes of the design world. Everyone works so hard in their own unique way to help produce any single event, and it is just the coolest thing to be a part of that. I owe a huge thank you to Meg from The Little Branch who has provided me with so many opportunities to create and grow while being a safe place since our son was born in 2021 and the post-pandemic world. She is a well of knowledge and talent and being able to freelance for her and help bring her visions to life all while navigating parenthood has been the biggest blessing and I’m so thankful.

Lastly, to all my clients both past and present, none of this would be possible without you. I am so humbled by your trust and faith in me. Being able to create for your lives special moments and bring your visions to life is genuinely the greatest honor and privilege. Thank you for allowing me and wanting me to make art for you.

Website: www.thistleoakfloralco.com

Instagram: @thistleoakfloralco

Other: email: thistleoakfloralco@gmail.com

Image Credits
Personal Photo: Joseph Mitchell Other Photos (In order of upload): 1. Joseph Mitchell 2. Joseph Mitchell 3. Christina Morris 4. Danielle Bennick 5. Mary Costa 6. Mary Costa 7. Shannan Leigh 8. Katie Hunter