Interview by Kelly Postiglione. Photos courtesy of Monica Chimes.
Meet Monica Chimes, the creative force behind Monica Chimes Floral, a Westchester-based floral and event design studio. She started out in a small flower shop in Mount Vernon and has since built a thriving business, bringing beauty to some of the area’s most stunning venues. Monica shares her journey, design philosophy, and expert floral tips for busy moms who want to add effortless elegance to their homes.
Where are you originally from and where do you live now?
I was born and raised in Mount Vernon, NY, and have always had deep roots in Westchester. Now, I live in West Harrison, which is close to my floral studio and allows me to stay connected to the community.
How many children do you have and what are their ages?
I have two amazing daughters, Brianna and Gianna—Bri and Gigi. They keep me on my toes and bring endless joy to my life! While they don’t share my passion for florals, I believe they’ve gained a deep understanding of what it means to run a woman-owned business in Westchester. Watching them grow and learn from my journey has been one of my greatest successes.
Can you share a bit about your background and what inspired you to start Monica Chimes Floral?
My journey in the floral industry began at just 17, working at a small flower shop in Mount Vernon. Wanting to expand my knowledge, I took the initiative to work at a high-end, multi-million-dollar floral company in Trump Plaza, NYC, where I learned the intricacies of running a large-scale, fast-paced business. With that experience and a deep passion for floral artistry, I took a leap of faith—starting my own business out of my parents’ basement. A few years later, I had the opportunity to purchase the very flower shop where I had once worked, and from there, Monica Chimes Floral was born. During the pandemic, I expanded the business further by acquiring Xquisite Events in New Rochelle, NY, allowing us to offer full-scale event design. We’ve also worked with incredible venues like the New York Botanical Garden and Glen Island Harbour Club, creating breathtaking floral experiences.
My inspiration has always been the joy that flowers bring—whether in life’s biggest celebrations or the simplest, everyday moments. For me, flowers aren’t just decorations; they’re a way to evoke emotion, create beauty, and make moments unforgettable.
How would you describe your floral design style?
My design style is always evolving—it changes with each client and project because every arrangement should truly reflect the person or event it’s created for. I believe florals should feel personal and intentional, not one-size-fits-all. That said, I have a deep appreciation for traditional flower-to-flower designs, where every bloom is carefully placed for a polished, timeless look. But as I continue creating, my style grows with me—I love experimenting with new textures, compositions, and design concepts to bring fresh perspectives to my work. At the core of it all, my approach is about striking the right balance—elevated, meaningful, and tailored to each client’s vision.
What are your top recommendations for moms looking for easy yet beautiful floral arrangements to brighten up their homes?
Long-lasting to short-term solutions:
• Potted orchids or orchid arrangements are sophisticated, long-lasting, and low-maintenance—just occasional watering and indirect sunlight needed!
• Greenery is your best friend—it adds texture and fullness without much upkeep.
• Keep it simple! A small cluster of seasonal blooms in a bud vase can make a huge difference. It’s important to look or ask about which flowers are in season!
• If you’re short on time, a floral subscription is a great way to have custom fresh blooms delivered effortlessly! Especially with our subscription-based clients, we have the creative privilege to surprise them with a beautiful arrangement curated to their styles.
The top recommendation for any arrangement:
• Fresh water is key! Even long-lasting flowers won’t survive if their water isn’t clean. Changing the water regularly—keeping it fresh, cool, and clean—will help your blooms last longer.
Tell us more about your services for events!
We specialize in floral and event design for weddings, corporate events, mitzvahs, and special occasions. Whether it’s an intimate gathering or a large-scale production, we handle everything from floral installations to full event styling! Our goal is to bring our clients’ visions to life in a way that’s seamless and stunning.
Are there any floral trends you’re loving?
Lately, I’ve been loving the shift toward organic, garden-inspired arrangements—designs that feel naturally flowing yet artfully composed. There’s a growing appreciation for movement and texture, with arrangements that feel more effortless and free-spirited rather than overly structured.
Another trend I’m excited about is the embrace of bold, vibrant colors. While all-white palettes remain a classic choice, more clients are opting for rich, dynamic hues that bring personality and depth to their events.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing a client’s reaction—whether it’s the joy of picking up a simple retail order or the awe of stepping into a space we’ve completely transformed. Flowers have the power to draw out emotion, add elegance, and create warmth at any moment. I love being part of making those experiences memorable. A bonus has been working alongside my best friend since childhood, Melissa. We’ve grown together in life and business; today, she’s my right hand at work. Our partnership is built on trust, creativity, and a shared passion for bringing beauty into people’s lives.
We love to support local! What are your favorite spots here in Westchester?
Tough question! Westchester has so many hidden gems! If I have time, my go-to pick-me-up is the chocolate mousse cake from Artuso Pastry Shop in Thornwood; absolutely delicious! I love Red Horse in White Plains for a great dinner and drinks. For a quick bite, Johnny’s Pizzeria in Mount Vernon never disappoints. Casaletto in Elmsford is another favorite for classic Italian, and when I’m craving sushi, Kira in Armonk is my spot!
We’re incredibly grateful for our amazing community and the wonderful people and places that make it so special. Explore our Blog page for features that spotlight local businesses and more. Looking for something to do in the Sound Shore area? Check out our Local Guides and Calendar pages to discover what’s happening locally and follow along on Instagram for more!