Meenakshi was promoted to the role of CEO in November 2023 after successfully expanding the company's supply chain and fulfillment as COO. Prior to UrbanStems, Meenakshi's 20+ year career in luxury retail and ecommerce included leadership positions working with brands like Alice + Olivia, Elie Tahari, Juicy Couture, Herve Leger, BCBG and more. Meenakshi was born and raised in India, where she studied business management and electronics engineering before moving to the U.S. in 2002. Meenakshi is based in NYC. Outside of work, she is a mom, a passionate traveler, loves cooking, and is a trained classical Indian Kathak Dancer.
After two decades in the fashion industry, the opportunity to join UrbanStems felt both unexpected and deeply meaningful. Working with perishable products is no easy feat, but what truly inspires me is the why behind what we do.
At UrbanStems, we aren’t just delivering flowers - we’re helping people express love, joy, gratitude, and sometimes even grief. We get to play a small but powerful role in some of life’s most personal moments. That purpose is what drives me every single day.
You’ve heard me say it before - shipping flowers is not for the faint of heart. It’s an incredibly complex business, with challenges at every step of the supply chain. While we’re not perfect, we’re committed to doing our best - always.
At UrbanStems, unexpected joy is more than a phrase. It’s about finding small, meaningful ways to brighten someone’s day - whether that’s through a surprise bloom, an upgrade they didn’t expect, or simply making sure every detail is just right. Because behind every order is something deeply personal - love, comfort, celebration - and it’s a privilege to help deliver that emotion.
By staying deeply attuned to what our customers tell us through how they respond to design, quality, and assortment - we’re able to constantly evolve. We plan with precision, guided by data and trends, but most importantly, we partner closely with our vendors.
They are a critical part of our success, and we’ve worked together to uphold the values UrbanStems was built on: delivering premium, high-quality bouquets. Every stem, every arrangement reflects that shared commitment, and we keep a close eye on every bouquet that leaves our doors.
Hard Work – There’s truly no substitute for it.
People – Surround yourself with those who challenge and inspire you. Mentors are a gift - they keep you grounded, focused, and growing.
Learning – Never stop being a student. When I entered this industry, I knew nothing about florals. Three years in, I’m still just scratching the surface. There’s always more to discover and that’s what makes the journey so exciting.
So hard to pick one!
One woman I deeply admire is Indra Nooyi, former CEO of PepsiCo. Her journey as a trailblazing leader,1st generation immigrant, and mother is incredibly inspiring. She led with strength and empathy, transformed a global brand while championing sustainability and diversity, and spoke openly about the challenges of balancing work and family. Her authenticity, intellect, and courage continue to be a powerful example of modern leadership.
My 5.5-year-old daughter, Anya, is my anchor and my purpose. She keeps me grounded and reminds me every day of what truly matters. I hope to set an example she can look up to, not just as a mother, but as a woman who dreams big and leads with heart. I want to redefine what work-life integration looks like, so she grows up knowing that she doesn’t have to choose between ambition and presence — she can have both.
We’re loving the unexpected beauty of contrast, pairing bold tropicals like anthuriums with delicate, temperate blooms like lilacs and ranunculus. The mix of structure and softness creates something truly unique and fresh. Our Island Getaway arrangement on UrbanStems.com is a perfect expression of this trend, a little escape in a vase.
“Becoming” by Michelle Obama has had a profound impact on me. Her story is one of strength, grace, and authenticity - balancing ambition with purpose and vulnerability. It reminded me that leadership isn't about having all the answers, but about staying grounded in your values, lifting others up, and showing up with integrity every day. It’s a perspective I carry with me, especially in moments of challenge or change.
