A coffee with Clara Santa Isabel

We are so excited to have you here! Let’s start stirring! Who is Clara?

I identify myself simply as a creative.  I work mainly in floral styling, culinary creative direction,  and set design, creating visual worlds where flowers and food come together. Those are two universes I deeply love and constantly try to merge in my work.  

Beyond that, I’m endlessly inspired by art, nature, vintage treasures, fashion and travel. I find beauty everywhere, and I think my work is really about collecting all those inspirations and transforming them into experiences, stories and atmospheres that make people feel something.

Where did you grow up and where do you live now?

I grew up in Barcelona, Spain, surrounded by a family that always appreciated creativity, craftsmanship and beauty in everyday life.  Over the years I’ve also lived in Santiago de Chile for almost four years and spent a year in Florence, Italy, both places that shaped me in very different ways and influenced my creative perspective.  Today, I’m back in Barcelona, a city that constantly inspires me with its lifestyle, architecture, food culture and creative energy.

How did your life lead you into what you are doing now? 

Looking back, it feels very natural.  I’ve always been drawn to aesthetics, whether through fashion, interiors, flowers or hosting friends around a beautiful table. However, I actually studied Advertising and worked in that industry for several years. I also explored other fields, such as beauty.  

At some point, I started feeling disconnected from myself and from what truly made me happy. That period was uncomfortable but incredibly important because it pushed me to reconnect with who I really was.  I rediscovered all the things I had loved since I was young: flowers, food, vintage objects, working with my hands… Sometimes the decisions we make when we are very young can take us down paths that no longer feel aligned with who we are. I think it’s important to give yourself permission to pause, reflect and reconnect with what genuinely lights you up. That’s exactly what happened to me, and it completely changed my life.

What trends are you seeing in styling this year?

Honestly, I feel like I’m seeing new trends every day.  Personally, I’m always most inspired by vintage and antiques. Whether it’s fashion, tablescapes, interiors or entertaining, vintage pieces bring a sense of character and timelessness that trends simply can’t replicate.  What excites me most right now is seeing people embrace individuality. We are becoming more creative, more expressive and less afraid of doing things differently. I love seeing unexpected combinations, playful styling and personal touches.  My favorite trend will always be encouraging people to unleash their creativity and embrace their weirdness a little more.

Please tell us more about what exciting projects you have coming up!  

In a couple of weeks, I’ll be leading the culinary creative direction for a very exciting project with a renowned perfume house.  It’s one of those projects that requires a huge amount of work, but those are usually the ones I enjoy the most. I love pushing boundaries creatively and exploring new ways of telling stories through food, flowers and design.  What makes this project particularly special is that it’s a brand I’ve genuinely admired and used for years, so being invited to collaborate with them feels incredibly personal and magical. Working with brands that have been part of your own life story is always very meaningful.  

What does a typical day look like for you?

No two days are ever the same, which is something I love.  One day I might be sourcing flowers at the market at sunrise, another day creating mood boards for a campaign, styling a shoot, meeting with clients or working from a café planning upcoming projects.  No matter what I’m doing, there is usually a coffee involved, fresh flowers nearby and a notebook full of ideas.  

You’re hosting a dinner party in your dream location. Where are we, what is being served, and what Lepelclub products are featured on the table?

We are either in Copenhagen or Paris, two of my favorite cities in the world.  It’s summertime, the evening light is perfect and we’re gathered around a table dressed with the Lepelclub x Matilda Bea tablecloth. The Rose Coupe Red and Rose Coupe Pink glasses are on the table, surrounded by crochet coasters and an abundance of red and pink flowers.  The food is playful and a little unexpected. Everything feels pink, joyful and celebratory. 

What are your euro summer plans?

This summer will be a beautiful mix of family, work and travel.  I’ll be spending time in Sardinia with my family, enjoying the Costa Brava with my husband and our dog, and heading to Copenhagen for Fashion Week, which is always one of my favorite moments of the year for inspiration.  I can’t think of a better combination :) 

What is one unexpected thing about you?

I’m actually very chaotic.  I wish I could say I’m one of those people with color-coded calendars and perfectly organized schedules, but that’s definitely not me. Somehow I’ve learned to embrace my chaos because it’s often where my creativity lives.  I also work surprisingly well under pressure. Some of my best ideas have arrived at the very last minute.

And as always, our favorite question: how do you take your coffee?

An iced latte with oat milk.  Ideally enjoyed alone in the morning sun while planning the day ahead ;)