Meet Anyi Botteri | Pressed Flower Artist, Artisan & Founder of Ayni Artesana

We had the good fortune of connecting with Anyi Botteri and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Anyi, how do you think about risk?
For me, risk has meant making intentional choices, pursuing meaningful work even when the path wasn’t certain. Starting a career as a production designer and producer for film and audiovisual projects, and pursuing my art with pressed flowers at the same time, wasn’t the ‘safe’ choice, but it was the truest one.

Most people believe that art isn’t a way to make a living, or see it just as a hobby, but it’s a real job, and a complicated one, because it demands so much of your time, almost 25/7. I’ve learned to take risks, to knock on doors that might never open, but if I don’t knock, I’ll never know, right?

Every risk, whether sharing my art publicly, hosting workshops, or stepping into new collaborations, has brought me closer to my purpose. Risk, to me, is an act of trust, trust in myself, in my art, and in the beauty that comes from vulnerability. I’ve learned that it’s through taking risks that we grow, learn, and discover our truest selves.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
My art comes from a belief that art heals, and from my love and respect for nature and the little moments in life. I work with pressed flowers to create pieces that preserve that delicate beauty, turning them into keepsakes or storytelling artwork. Every piece is guided by intention and heart, it’s personal, and I love sharing that with others.

I feel a heart full of gratitude when people create their own artwork with my pressed flowers, flowers I’ve carefully pressed for about a month. Leading workshops and seeing participants connect with nature and make something meaningful reminds me why I do what I do.

Getting here hasn’t been easy, dividing my time as a production designer and producer for film and audiovisual projects while also pursuing my full-time work in pressed flower art. I’ve learned that passion, persistence, and creating from the heart are essential.

What I want people to know about my creative work, Ayni Artesana, is that it’s more than just art, it’s a way to connect with nature, with others, and with yourself. Through my workshops and creations, I hope to inspire people to slow down, notice the beauty in small moments, honor the natural world, and create from the heart. My goal is to share not just artwork, but an experience of presence, care, and joy that can stay with you long after the piece is finished.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
If my best friend were visiting, I’d plan a week of nature, quiet beauty, and hidden gems in Miami. We’d wander through orchids and butterflies at Fairchild Tropical Botanic Garden, paddle through mangroves at Oleta River State Park, and spend a Sunday at the Vizcaya Farmers Market, which I love for its local foods and family activities.

For slower days, we’d picnic at Amelia Earhart Park, watch the sunset at Matheson Hammock Park, and get lost among the shelves at Books & Books in Coral Gables (and I’d insist they try the chicken fajita wrap!). Evenings would end with a film at Coral Gables Art Cinema, my favorite spot to watch a movie.

I’d want my friend to leave not just with memories of places, but with a sense of calm and inspiration from the little things Miami quietly offers.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
I owe so much to the people who have inspired and supported me. My husband, Piero Botteri, is my greatest ally and partner in all things, he inspires me every day, truly believes in my way of expressing my art, and helps me turn ideas that first seem like dreams into reality.

My brothers are my constant motivation and encouragement, pushing me to dream bigger and create from my heart with love. And my grandparents are the roots of Ayni Artesana; they taught me to respect Mother Earth, to honor my roots, and to embrace them through my art.

Website: https://linktr.ee/ayni.artesana

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ayni.artesana

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/people/A-Y-N-I/61550743304991/#

Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@ayni.artesana

Other: https://ayniartesana.carrd.co/

Image Credits
Anyi Botteri
Piero Botteri
Juliano Nunez
Jose Echevarria