Born and raised near the Black Forest in southwestern Germany, Svenja was influenced by the lavish gardens of her mother and grandmother as well as by the eclectic creations of her artist father. A childhood spent collecting leaves, flowers, rocks, and branches for art projects naturally led Svenja to the study of art history, where she was equally entranced by the exquisite floral still lifes of the Dutch masters and the sculptural juxtapositions of modern art. After moving to the Bay Area with her family in 1996, Svenja became inspired by the harmony and abundance of the Northern Californian landscape and began to study floral design. Svenja's background in art history and her training with various materials such as metal, wood, fiber and clay made their way into the craftsmanship and creative techniques she developed and became part of her signature style.

At Chestnut & Vine Floral Design, Svenja and her team incorporate locally grown floral materials and recycled design components to ensure not only a "green thumb" but an environmentally small footprint as well. Svenja is a California Certified Florist (CCF) and has been inducted into the prestigious American Institute of Floral Designers (AIFD), an organization committed to excellence in floral design and education as well as professionalism. Svenja serves on the board of directors of the California State Floral Association (CSFA) and chairs the California Certified Florist Committee.