My name is Marina Vallad. I've called Brevard County home for over a decade, but my roots stretch back to Virginia Beach, where I grew up surfing, skating, exploring nature, and making art. I moved south in search of warmer waves and have been inspired by and in love with Brevard County ever since.

My background spans a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Health (Old Dominion University) and a Master of Arts in Speech-Language Pathology (UCF), alongside work as a mosquito biology lab technician, sea camp instructor, 7th grade science teacher, community garden coordinator, and pediatric speech language pathologist.

My pieces begin with foraging and preserving a wide range of wild plants found throughout Brevard County. I look for plants that tell a story- whether through their unexpected uses, familiarity, striking appearance, or their ability to convey the rich biodiversity of our local ecosystem.

Each plant is pressed using a traditional flower press for up to two months. I use quality, locally sourced and repurposed frames and glass to reduce waste and add character. Every arrangement is shaped by the distinct qualities of the plants and the natural landscapes they come from, along with the unique character of the frame. Through my designs, I hope to preserve, honor, and celebrate the natural beauty of Brevard County, FL.