About Me – Rafael Michael

I used to spend my days surrounded by flowers. Real ones. I worked as a floral artist here in New York City, where I specialized in ikebana – a Japanese style of arranging blooms that’s all about balance, negative space, and quiet beauty. It wasn’t just a job; it was a way of seeing the world.

You start to notice small things others overlook – the bend in a stem, the texture of a vase, the way colors can calm you. That kind of observation sticks with you.

After a decade in that world, life nudged me in a new direction. I started helping friends figure out what air purifier to get or whether a certain kettle was worth it. Turns out, I loved the process – comparing features, reading way too many reviews, testing things out.

What started as casual advice turned into something I wanted to take seriously. In 2025, I launched Ikebana Zen NYC to give those thoughts a home.

Rafael Michael
Rafael Michael

This blog isn’t about pushing products. It’s about slowing down, asking the right questions, and making smarter choices. I write about items I’ve actually used or spent time digging into – things that deserve a spot in your daily life. If it doesn’t meet the mark, I say so. If it surprises me in a good way, I say that too.

These days, I live in a small but sunny apartment on the Upper West Side. I don’t have room for clutter, and honestly, I prefer it that way. The things I keep – and recommend – have to earn their place. This blog reflects that same mindset. If you’ve ever felt overwhelmed by the flood of options out there, I get it. My hope is that this space helps make things a little clearer, a little calmer – and a lot more useful.

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Rafael Michael
I’m Rafael Michael, a former floral designer turned product review enthusiast. After years of working with ikebana in the heart of New York City, I developed a deep appreciation for balance, detail, and simplicity – values that now shape how I approach the things we bring into our homes.

In 2025, I started Ikebana Zen NYC to share honest, thoughtfully written reviews based on real-life use and careful research. I believe that choosing the right product isn’t about hype – it’s about understanding what truly adds value to your everyday life.
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