Hello, I’m Phoebe, the artist behind the flowers.

“Sampaguita” (sam-pah-GEE-tah) is the national flower of the Philippines, where I was born and raised before moving to California at 12. A small white jasmine blossom with a sweet scent that instantly takes me back to my childhood.

In the Philippines, sampaguita garlands are everywhere — sold on street corners and woven into life’s most meaningful moments, from weddings and graduations to church ceremonies and memorials. It symbolizes both softness and strength, values deeply embedded in my culture and in my work. Each piece I create carries that spirit. This work is personal. It’s slow, intentional, and grounded in the belief that love is always in the details.

After nearly two decades working full-time in higher education as a counselor, I made the decision to leave it all behind and pursue a new adventure in my 40’s. The decision came after one of those heart breaking days at work when you realize you can’t survive one more day inside those walls without numbing another vital part of yourself.

That day, I felt a quiet calling towards a life that is more beautiful and wild. I took the leap in search of a corner in the world where I could be free to create and expand on my own terms while leaving room to be present as a mom of two little ones, wife, daughter, sister, friend and wanderer.

Taking that leap wasn’t easy. It was one of the most heart breaking things I’ve ever had to do, but it was necessary for me to stay whole. I chose myself.

As one of my favorite poets, Andrea Gibson, writes:

“Let your heart break so your spirit doesn't.”

Sampaguita Press is the result of the breaking and the rising.

My art is the expression of my grief and longing for a life that is more joyful and free.