Marcela López-Vallejo, based in Raleigh, North Carolina, is an accomplished floral designer and educator. With 25 years of industry experience, Marcela holds esteemed credentials including Accredited Member and Certified Evaluator and Judge of the American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD).

 

Marcela's career spans various roles from floral designer and shop owner to event manager and lead product developer in the mass market sector. Her dedication and creativity were recognized in 2015 when she was awarded South Carolina Designer of the Year. In 2020, Marcela's innovative work was featured in Artistic Floral Design 2020, a prestigious collection showcasing top floral creations from AIFD designers worldwide.

 

In 2021, she was honored with the S.H.I.N.E. scholarship in Product Development by the AIFD Foundation, enhancing her professional development and career prospects. She also holds the esteemed PFCI designation (Professional Floral Communicators-International) from the Society of American Florists (SAF), distinguishing her as a top educator and communicator in the floral industry.

 

Active in professional associations, Marcela serves as Past-President of AIFD's Southern Chapter and collaborates as an Ambassador for Smithers-Oasis North America, contributing to industry leadership and mentorship. In 2025, she was elected to the AIFD National Board as Director at Large (2025–2028) and was also invited to present a workshop at the AIFD National Symposium in Palm Springs, California—a reflection of her continued impact in floral education.

 

Her educational background in Advertising and Arts, complemented by an MBA in Marketing from Costa Rica Tech, provides a unique perspective in her work. Most recently, in September 2023, Marcela earned the coveted European Master Certification (EMC) in Bruges, Belgium. This internationally accredited program, led by instructor Tomas de Bruyne, solidifies her expertise and passion for floral design.