Despite its many pitfalls, the internet can be a wonderful place. Case in point – several months back, some late-night scrolling introduced me to La Quinta local Nicole Trigg and her beautifully intentional floral company, Botanical Verbiage, founded in 2019. Nicole is known for her signature “language arrangements” — hand-picked florals curated to celebrate each recipient in a deeply meaningful way. Since then, I’ve had the pleasure of getting to know Nicole. She’s not only incredibly community-minded, but also an all-around gem of a human! Read on to learn more about Nicole and her heartfelt creations below. (All photos featured are courtesy of Nicole.)
xo, Lindsay
What was the inspiration behind Botanical Verbiage?
I grew up working at my mom’s popcorn shop/ice cream parlor/newsstand Blind George’s in downtown Grants Pass, Oregon. It was actually that historic building that first gave me the inspiration for Botanical Verbiage.
I was about 16 years old working on the ice cream shop side, thinking about how the space, with its brick walls, could be transformed into a beautiful floral shop. I envisioned galvanized buckets filled with singular-type florals, with the name of the flower and its symbolism listed, where loved ones could choose specific flowers based on their meanings for their special someone. That vision and dream stayed dormant for over a decade, but in the meantime, I always enjoyed working with God’s creation and giving arrangements to others.
Around that same time, my mom was diagnosed with breast cancer, and, after her husband was deployed to Iraq, I became her primary caregiver. One thing that I vividly remember that brought her joy was having fresh flowers by her bedside. I also started a little pop-up acrylic floral business in college, while working full-time and caring for a one-year-old infant. I look back at those designs that I was so proud of now and I want to hide in their hideous aesthetics . . . or lack thereof. But I can definitely see how God was developing and shaping me and using creativity with flowers to teach and uplift others.
Tell us a little about yourself.
I’m first and foremost a wife (I’ve been married to my husband, Ralph, for 14 years) and a mom to three kiddos, Tristan (16), Walker (11) and Olivia (9). And I’m very purpose-driven. Since founding Botanical Verbiage and experiencing the opportunities that have followed, I’ve learned that living with purpose can be both a beautiful and challenging journey. When I’m asked to step into something, I always pause to consider whether it aligns with my faith and whether my efforts will truly make an impact. If they won’t, I’m quick to say no—not out of an unwillingness to help, but because I want to be able to give my very best yes.
Is there any organization out here that you’re not a part of?
I really love the Valley and being able to contribute my portion. I currently serve on the Old Town Artisan Studios Advisory Board and as a Shepherding Elder and Rooted leader at Southwest Churchalongside my husband, Ralph. I formerly acted as Creative Director of Joyfully Grieving and was the founder of Coachella Valley Collaborative, a solution mindset mastermind growth group formed right as we were coming out of the pandemic. The Collaborative was so pivotal not only for my business but in building community relationships.
I’ve had the privilege of leading the Conqueror Parents group at Desert Christian Academy for four years and serving on the Board of Directors for the Women Leaders Forum for two. And I was honored to be the Angel Light Academy awards recipient in 2024. Currently, I serve as Vice President of Leadership Coachella Valley, where I previously spent two years on the board and am a proud alumna of the 2019–2021 class.
I think that’s it . . . for now!
How did you get into floral design?
Oh boy, that has been quite a story . . . and to be continued! I decided to start a brand new company from scratch, with no formal training, right before the pandemic hit. But has it been such a journey of growth and joy over the last five and a half years.
I originally launched after stepping away as a top leader of a network marketing company. At the time, I had a huge online audience, but few local connections here in the desert. I finally took the dream that had been on my heart – pairing the symbolism of florals with the need in the network marketing industry to celebrate people and their teams – and brought it to life. I started with preserved flowers (nothing fresh), shipping arrangements all over the country using social media – until the pandemic hit, shipping rates tripled and my access to preserved flowers got shut off. I also noticed that all the local flower shops were shut down, and there was a need for comfort. People were scared – of losing loved ones, experiencing Mother’s Day apart from their mom, etc.
So I’d stand in line with a mask and gloves at Trader Joe’s and I became the fresh florist in the Coachella Valley. My business multiplied and my connections throughout the Coachella Valley flourished. But most importantly, I was really living out my purpose – and discovering a new passion for creating arrangements for those in grief, which I still hold to this day. I would say about 80% of our Language Arrangements are centered around grief or healing.
Best part of owning Botanical Verbiage?
Rearranging God’s materials that He gave us here on earth to help His people be seen, heal, and feel loved. Hearing the stories of how my creations have impacted others is the icing on the cake!
Your ultimate goal is to open a florist/healing sanctuary. What is your ideal location?
Yes!! Rest + Rise! That’s the next chapter of Botanical Verbiage. I would love to stay within Old Town La Quinta but I am completely open if God has a different plan. I really see a need for a healing sanctuary for other creatives to come to. R+R would have all kinds of art mediums to create with – luxury linens, an apothecary bar, plants/florals, and handmade goods, as well as a café and working spaces – all staffed by women who are transitioning out of difficult life circumstances and in need of a second chance. I love being able to work alongside others who feel “unseen” and pour into them, recognize what they’re good at, encourage and grow that skill, and help define their specific purpose here on earth. Rest + Rise will foster resting (and healing) and RISING up to one’s calling.
Favorite flower or floral combo?
I love them all… even Carnations. 😉
I prefer the exact opposite of what I create – I love one type of floral bundled. The more classic/neutral the better.
Where can people find your arrangements?
I have a little baby collaboration with Roots & Mane hair salon in Palm Desert – a grab-and-go fresh floral bar. You can also find my smudge bundles at Roam.e in Old Town La Quinta. I pop-up at special events throughout the Valley, where I offer floral classes and personalized arrangements, as well.
But I mainly love to create super custom arrangements that fit a unique occasion and reflect the Giver and the recipient’s heart! So reach out on Instagram or text and share a little (or a lot) about what you want to express and I’ll help you bring that vision to life.
What has surprised you about owning a business here?
It has been such a beautiful blessing to learn the art of collaboration and how supportive everyone is here! There is such an abundance mindset, with even nonprofits working alongside local businesses to offer support. It’s humbling and so motivating.
Best business advice for newbie entrepreneurs?
Truly find the foundation of your purpose within your business and how your business is meant to fulfill that. And then, any opportunity that comes along that aligns with that, say YES! You will look back and stand in awe of all that came to fruition that you would’ve never expected!
What part of desert living brings you the most joy?
I love the Coachella Valley! Aesthetically, we are surrounded by majestic, textured, shadowed, and snow-capped mountains, with beautiful palm trees on the valley floor. There’s nowhere like it in the world! Also, opportunity-wise, it’s that gem of feeling like you’re in a small town, yet you have access to truly anything you’d ever want. It is such a special place!
Best meal in the desert?
Oh, that is the toughest question yet!
Can I do it progressive dinner party style? Here are just a few highlights.
DRINKS:
The Pink Cabana (pictured)
SUSHI:
WHOLE MEAL EXPERIENCE:
Tia Carmen at the Hyatt
Lola Rose at The Thompson
DSRT CLUB in Old Town La Quinta
FAMILY PIZZA NIGHT:
Other Coachella Valley favorites?
Baby’s Marché – the best sandwiches and you’re always going to run into someone you know.
Roam.e in Old Town La Quinta – the cutest local gifts and I love the owner’s heart for supporting and elevating local makers and businesses.
Sunnylands and Sunnylands Café are my happy places.
Boheme Aesthetics – All skin care needs! She is incredible about using really clean but effective ingredients alongside her LIFE-CHANGING Buccal Facial . . . plus you can ask her about the Botanical Verbiage candle collaboration (pictured). We did it together symbolizing all of the scents and notes within the treatment. 😉
Aziz Farms – I learn something new every time I tour and attend a farm-to-table dinner experience there. Where else can you pick a carrot straight out of the ground, brush a little dirt off, and eat it in the middle of the desert?! All while hearing the heart and passion behind regenerative farming straight from the owner. It’s an Eden!
Old Town Artisan Studios is also my sanctuary for art creations and the Trigg children love attending summer camp there.
Kaylie Nicole – super classic and on-trend pieces for such a doable price.
The Shield’s Date Garden Salvation Walk brings me to tears every time I visit.
Thank you, Nicole!
If you’re looking for stunning florals in the desert, Botanical Verbiage should be your first stop! Nicole’s passion, kind heart, and creativity are beautifully poured into each and every arrangement.