After years in the tech world, Christina Mascellino found herself at an unexpected crossroads. What began as a career setback became the spark for something far more creative—a business built around celebration, creativity, and the joy of making people feel special.
Welcome to Ribbon + Bloom Co., Christina’s thoughtfully designed venture where themed carts become showstopping centerpieces for birthdays, showers, corporate events, and everything in between. Part event stylist, part floral designer, and part entrepreneur, she transforms each cart into an experience that is as interactive as it is visually stunning.
“Anyone who knows me knows that I love to get creative,” she said.
While balancing the demands of her career and family life, Christina had little time to nurture her creative passions, including floral design and curated gift baskets.
It took the loss of her job last January to give her the space for a reboot, and the universe delivered. While casting a wide net in the job market, she came across an online listing that had nothing to do with tech and everything to do with a new opportunity: a cart was up for sale. She took it as a sign, trusted her instincts, and followed her heart.
“I said ‘maybe I should try this and see where it goes.’”
She first tested the concept at an All American Girl-themed first birthday party.
Leaning into the red, white and blue, she played up another American staple: popcorn—creating a popcorn bar complete with a selection of toppings.
“I used fresh popcorn and toppings like butter, marshmallows, Fruity Pebbles and white cheddar,” she explained.
The cart served not only popcorn, but also quickly became an instant conversation piece.
“The cart added a whole other element to the party that I didn't expect,” she said. “It took the need for an icebreaker away.”
That first event gave Christina the confidence she needed to move forward.
From first birthdays to milestone celebrations, she designs each cart to suit the occasion.
One memorable 60th birthday was inspired by the guest of honor’s love of all things lemon.
The result was a full citrus-inspired transformation, complete with a limoncello bar and coordinating dessert station.
Christina incorporated fresh lemons throughout the display and dressed the cart in flowing drapery, finishing the scene with a chandelier that cast a warm glow well into the evening.
In addition to private celebrations, she styles corporate events. Most recently, a real estate agent enlisted her to create an interactive floral display for an open house.
“The display will be interactive so people will see the home, but also have the opportunity to make their own bouquet and take it home to enjoy it,” she added. “Then when they look at their bouquet they will think back to the open house."
Christina also designs for faith-based celebrations, including communions and baptisms. For one event, she created a playful “holy cannoli” display, complete with angel wings, her signature drapery and chandelier, and, of course, plenty of cannolis.
For a baby shower, she transformed her vintage baby buggy, another item she styles, and filled it with individual bouquets that guests took home as party favors.
She also designs fresh floral arrangements and curated “bloom bars,” where guests create their own hand-tied bouquets. She personally sources premium flowers and greenery to ensure every stem is celebration-ready. For food-centered gatherings, she can coordinate curated treats through a trusted network of local small businesses.
For now, Ribbon + Bloom Co. remains a one-woman operation, with support from her husband and three children, who are often the first to see her newest creations come to life.
“I’m always experimenting on them,” she joked. “They’re like my test subjects and I get to be creative for their parties.”
The company offers a thoughtfully curated collection of rental pieces, including its signature statement cart, a stylish tea cart, elegant floral stands, and a vintage baby buggy. Complementing these rentals are fresh floral arrangements, one-of-a-kind luxury gift baskets, personalized party favors, and custom details designed to make every celebration feel truly special.
As her business continues to blossom, she remains both grounded and grateful.
“I honestly don’t think I would have done this on my own,” she said. “It was always in the back of my mind but I don’t know if I ever would have left my job to do this. And now I am more aligned in my life than ever.”
What began as an unexpected career detour has become a creative calling—one that allows Christina to bring connection and joy to life’s most meaningful moments.