Maurice Harris
Episode 4 Maurice Harris
Episode 4 of Wedding-ish the magnificent Maurice Harris of Bloom and Plume joins Jove! Maurice Harris is the visionary owner of Bloom & Plume and Bloom & Plume Coffee. With a background in fashion and a passion for design, Harris infuses his creations with a unique sense of style and flair. His innovative approach to floral arrangements has garnered attention from celebrities and tastemakers alike, earning Bloom & Plume a reputation for exquisite artistry. Harris' clients include some of the biggest names in Hollywood as well as top tier brands such as Louis Vuitton, The Row, Goop, Opening Ceremony, Dior, Nike, Gucci, Valentino, Dolce & Gabbana, Warby Parker, MOCA and LACMA among others. Maurice walks Jove through being cast on “Full Bloom,” the HBO flower competition show. Maurice talks about why certain projects appeal to him, because they allowed him to be true to himself. Beyond his artistic talents, Harris is also known for his sparkling personality and commitment to inclusivity and diversity, creating a welcoming space where everyone feels represented and celebrated. Through his work, Maurice Harris continues to redefine the boundaries of traditional floristry, inspiring both admiration and awe in the world of design. Maurice and Jove talk everything from Jove’s engagement to all the challenges that go into running a small business!
“I want Bloom + Plume to be more accessible. An elevated experience, an elevated aesthetic, coming from a black person for everyone to experience...”
Maurice on creating Bloom + Plume Coffee
On this episode of Wedding-ish Jove and Maurice cover so much ground. A large part of this conversation is a deep dive on how Maurice got started as a floral artist. His genesis story intertwines with family inspiration; his grandmother, a florist and milliner, instilled in him a refined yet over-the-top aesthetic. Reflecting on his journey, Maurice recalls his early days working in display design at Barneys and Juicy Couture, navigating his own path over a decade ago. He also talks about going to school for architecture and finding his way back to floristry. Jove and Maurice talk about weddings and about Maurice’s experience in designing for weddings, and while Maurice has produced flowers for many events and weddings, he candidly discusses the industry's challenges, including pricing and consumer perceptions. Despite gracefully bowing out of the wedding scene to preserve his passion, Maurice continues to innovate in the floral business, where maintaining integrity amidst capitalist pressures is a constant struggle.
Expanding beyond his art as a florist, Maurice co-owns a coffee shop with his brother. Navigating the challenges of small business ownership while staying true to their vision. Jove and Maurice discuss what drew him to found “Bloom and Plume Coffee” where Maurice Harris orchestrates an experience that's not just about flowers and coffee but about creativity, joy, and community. He candidly shares with Jove what it takes to keep the coffee shop running and the challenges in opening multiple locations. Through Bloom & Plume Coffee, Maurice creates an accessible yet elevated experience, championing beauty as a transformative force for all. Jove reflects on his own experience visiting “Bloom and Plume” and shares what makes it so special.
Maurice turns the tables on Jove when he asks all about Jove’s gorgeous engagement ring from his fiancé Kyle! Jove talks all about the engagement surprise that happened only a couple days before the filming of this episode. Jove spills all the details of being proposed to, and how he never thought Kyle would propose to him!
Fans curious about Maurice's personal quirks uncover his love for wandering, indulging in food, and finding joy in shopping. Style is paramount to Maurice, who indulges in fashion as much as floral design. Despite his success, Maurice remains grounded, finding solace in moments of quiet introspection sometimes on the toilet or in bed (where he can be left alone)! Maurice emphasizes the importance of authenticity, refusing to be boxed in by expectations. His reluctance to conform to stereotypes aligns with his desire for spaces where he can simply "be."
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