We spent the afternoon in the studio of multidisciplinary artist and founder of a.p. bio, Doan Ly. Just as her life spans multiple continents and cities—she was born in Vietnam and grew up in Minnesota—her work interweaves areas of design, photo, and video.
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What does a day in the life look like for an artist and florist?
there’s no typical day really. which is why i think i like it so much—it’s definitely not routine. some days im at the computer getting crossed eyed. some days im with clients doing venue visits or samples. some days im washing buckets and taking out trash. and some days im in a party dress attending events. during busy season im at the market early in the morning four days a week, then leading a team of designers and producing events. being a small business owner means i have to wear all the hats and juggle all the plates. my days are long long long. but i get to work with wonderful people around the most beautiful flowers.
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You’ve followed a beautifully untraditional path — from Vietnam to Minnesota to New York, across disciplines and mediums. How do you think that exploration has shaped your way of seeing?
it gives me an outsider’s perspective–which i think gives me a distinct voice. i’m always from somewhere else, looking in. while i’m not always conscious of it, i think in the way i create, there is a sense all the different practices merging. at my happiest a project combines theater, floral design, photography, and performance.
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What’s a flower that represents how you’re feeling this season, and why?
honestly can i say corpse flower because i haven’t slep in weeks ? lol.
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Florals have an ephemeral beauty—what’s a moment in your career that felt fleeting but deeply meaningful?
all of it is fleeting and ephemeral. events by their very nature is just a moment in time. and within it, the clients you meet, the teams that gather, and the art we create, it’s for this short moment, hours really, and it’s over. but it has immense meaning to me, this work. i am so honored to be a part of someone’s biggest day. i am so grateful for all the talented designs who lend a hand. i pinch myself that i get to work with people i love using the most beautiful product.
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If you could give one piece of advice to someone just starting out on their budding businesses or passions, what would it be?
the relationships you foster with vendors and colleagues is everything.
