Aileen Casillas: Flower Boss at Florian Floral Designs

One does not simply become a Flower Boss, to paraphrase one of our favorite memes. As a self-described "florist turned firefighter / EMT who returned to her floral roots," there was nothing simple in the path that Aileen took to where she is today. While working in the floral industry in the early 2000's, Aileen earned her floral design certification. Shortly after that, life happened, and she found herself raising her three children as a single Mom. Setting aside her passion for the art of floral design and in the interest of being a good provider, Aileen was able to get a job at a local fire district. She was then (incredibly) able to put herself through Structure Fire Academy, Wildland Fire Academy, and EMT Training, becoming certified in all three within one year. (Editors' note: That’s a Major Boss Move.)

"I was in the Yarnell Hill fire that affected so many around me, including myself. At the time, I didn't realize it, but putting together floral arrangements in my home was the therapy I needed. "

After some refocusing and re-prioritizing, Aileen stepped away from the Fire / EMS life and went back to school full time to finish her degree. While at school she utilized her previous skills at floral design to earn extra money. It was during this process that she fell back in love with the art of floral design and her desire to start her own business began to come into focus.

Aileen followed her dream and founded Florian Floral in January 2018. In August of the same year, she was able to move the business from her home to its first brick and mortar location inside Prescott Gateway Mall. She has since opened a second location in November of 2020, downtown at the Historic Elks Theater Building. Florian Floral has become a local fixture in Prescott. The ability to adapt to changing event conditions and follow through with prompt deliveries is why Aileen and her team have such an excellent reputation. However, there is an aspect of Aileen's process that sets her apart from others. For her, the floral arrangements are the canvas that she is able to create her art on.

"I see flowers just like painting—as an artistic medium. Its variety is so vast and the palette endless. This type of art is fleeting, to be enjoyed for a short time, yet makes such a lasting impact."

A testament to her talents in floral design, Aileen has been selected to work on consecutive Tournament of Roses Parade floats since 2020. For those unfamiliar, working at the Tournament of Roses Parade is the pinnacle of achievement in the floral industry.

Florian Floral does many different events all over Northern Arizona including weddings, parties, even Instagram contests sponsored by yours truly at Prescott Days Magazine! Small businesses in general are both rewarding and frustrating to say the least. Aileen acknowledges there are benefits as well as challenges to starting and operating a small business in Prescott. One benefit she has found with owning a business in Prescott is the ability to support the community in a variety of ways for reasons that are very meaningful to her. From fashion shows, to dogs for adoption, to her beloved Fire/EMS Community, Florian Floral is out there giving back. The biggest challenge she faces working in Prescott, particularly with regard to the floral industry, is the distance and availability of product and supplies. Most items have to be shipped in via UPS/FEDEX or limited delivery days from in-state suppliers. This leads to frustrating delays, however it does force a little out of the box thinking in terms of floral design.

It’s not all work for Aileen though; enjoying the outdoors is one of her favorite aspects of life in Prescott. “Goldwater Lake is my favorite outdoor recreation spot to go locally. I used to take my kids there to canoe, hike, and picnic. Overall, though, living in Arizona, my favorite thing to do is explore backroads, off-roading, checking out ruins, and just getting out into the wilderness.” And where to rehydrate and replenish after a day of off-roading?

“My favorite place to eat in Prescott are actually two places! Bill's Pizza and Farm Provisions. “

Aileen goes on to boldly make the claim that Bill's Pizza has the greatest Caesar Salad ever (and, of course, pizza). She went on to say, "The food at Farm Provisions is just phenomenal." (She is partial to the FARM fettuccini with shrimp). "Not only is the food amazing, but Brittany and Ryan, who built and operate Farm Provisions, are exceptionally amazing humans. It is an inspiration and a joy to see them enjoying their craft. "

So keep Aileen and Florian Floral in mind when making your next floral purchase. Artistic design and attention to detail are the hallmarks of a true Flower Boss!