We were lucky to catch up with Nicole Antoinette Lewis recently and have shared our conversation below.

Nicole Antoinette, appreciate you joining us today. Can you talk to us about a project that’s meant a lot to you?

Teaching creative writing and yoga has been significant to me, but my latest project, Blooms and Alchemy, holds a special place in my heart. It all began with childhood memories of dancing in fields of wildflowers at my grandmother’s house in Pennsylvania. Enchanted by their beauty, I would blow on dandelions and make wishes, sparking a lifelong fascination with the magic of flowers.

This interest naturally progressed fifteen years ago when I created the Instagram page Blooms and Alchemy. Through this platform, I celebrated my love of flowers by photographing them and sharing all the floral wonders I adored. This enthusiasm grew more profound as I began crafting candles, essential oils, and bath salts infused with flowers.

In a recent moment of clarity, I realized my entire life was continuously unfolding, each aspect nurtured with care and attention. This epiphany was beautifully mirrored in my MFA thesis, aptly titled “Blossoming,” penned long before the dawn of Instagram. Themes of flowers, goddesses, the moon, and celestials have always been woven through my writing, making Blooms and Alchemy perfectly encapsulate my creative essence.

I also nurture young minds through my business, Mariposa Yoga and The Creative Arts. “Mariposa,” meaning butterfly in Spanish, symbolizes butterflies’ love for flowers, reflecting the interconnectedness of blooming and growth. I teach yoga to children, and at the end of each session, we come together for a yoga poetry performance.

Awesome – so before we get into the rest of our questions, can you briefly introduce yourself to our readers.

I have always embraced opportunities to write and teach creative writing throughout my career. My journey has continually evolved, leading me to new and inspiring endeavors. Last year, I hosted a floral arranging workshop titled “Prosecco, Poetry, and Petals,” where my dear friend, a florist, guided participants in creating beautiful bouquets. Afterward, I led a poetry workshop inspired by their crafted arrangements. This fusion of writing, flowers, and creative pursuits is a blend I have cherished throughout my life.

My poems have been featured in esteemed literary platforms such as Sage Woman Magazine, the San Diego Poetry Annual, and the Poets Underground Anthology. My memoir, “Searching For My Purple,” was selected for the 2022 International Memoir Showcase and will be included in the Shaking the Tree, 2025 Anthology. Additionally, my work has appeared in The San Diego Union-Tribune and various local newspapers. Across all my published writing, a common theme emerges the interplay of alchemy, flowers, and the divine, with flowers symbolizing the beauty of creative growth.

I am dedicated to publishing more of my works and creating writing journals with prompts to inspire others to discover their inner writer. I offer ‘petal prompts’ to spark creativity on my Blooms and Alchemy site. Additionally, I will teach a yearlong after-school yoga class for children, continue my 4th and 5th-grade writing teacher role at a San Diego private school, and provide online Saturday classes to share my passion for writing and publishing with young minds. This constant flow of creativity allows me to continually bloom and inspire others.

My endeavors now transcend petals and fragrances; my dandelion wishes have blossomed and transformed into reality. Follow my Instagram and subscribe to my Blooms and Alchemy website and YouTube channel to see what I am cultivating.

What’s the most rewarding aspect of being a creative in your experience?

Embracing my creativity while guiding others to uncover and share their own is incredibly rewarding. I find deep joy in supporting their growth and creating a space where imagination can bloom. The true reward comes from seeing the vibrant artistic expressions of those around me take flight.

Is there a particular goal or mission driving your creative journey?

I aim to explore new ways to live in bloom and passionately pursue what I love.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.bloomsandalchemy.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bloomsandalchemy/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bloomsandalchemy
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@NicoleBloomsandAlchemy
• Other: Website: https://nicolesocialbutterfly.com/

  Website: https://mariposayoganicoleom.com/

Image Credits

Photo Credit: Nicole Antoinette Lewis