Nine Kole is a creative botanical studio based in San Diego, California, serving Southern California, Hawaiʻi, and beyond.

We specialize in floral designs that tell a story unique to each client. We love when clients leave a little (or a lot) of creative space for us to explore how we can bring something unique to their setting—whether it’s working with flowers, foliage, or unconventional elements like vegetables or even fish! Flowers are beautiful on their own, but we also like to explore the overlooked beauty in all materials to create designs that feel personal and meaningful.

People often wonder how to pronounce our name—Nine Kole. It’s pronounced as “Nine” (like the number) and “Kole” (coal-ay, not Cole). Kole is a fish endemic to Hawaiʻi and one of Mariko’s favorites to catch and eat.

Mariko fell in love with spearfishing during COVID while in Hawaiʻi. There’s something empowering about being able to catch her own meal and share it with friends and family. Kole, in particular, is often enjoyed at parties and celebrations, and she loves how this fish brings joy to her and her community. It felt like the perfect representation of how she feels when she creates with flowers—bringing joy and connection.

And why Nine? It’s her favorite number!