Meet Aileen Warren

We were lucky to catch up with Aileen Warren recently and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Aileen, so great to have you on the platform. There’s so much we want to ask you, but let’s start with the topic of self-care. Do you do anything for self-care and if so, do you think it’s had a meaningful impact on your effectiveness?

For self-care, I’ve found that incorporating low-maintenance floral decor into my living space has had a calming and positive impact on my life. Preserved flowers and dried arrangements offer a serene connection to nature without the need for constant upkeep. Having these beautiful, lasting arrangements around me brings a sense of calm and tranquility, helping to reduce stress.

The natural textures and soft colors not only create a peaceful atmosphere but also provide daily moments of admiration and mindfulness. This simple, low-stress self-care practice has enhanced my mental well-being and, in turn, boosted my effectiveness by allowing me to focus more on my work with a clear, relaxed mind.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

As the owner of 50 Shades of Greed, I focus on providing high-quality preserved and dried floral arrangements that are not only beautiful but also low-maintenance. What excites me the most is the idea of combining art and nature in a way that lasts. Preserved flowers allow people to enjoy the timeless beauty of nature without the pressure of constant care, and for me, creating these pieces is an artistic process that allows for endless creativity and personalization.

What I’d love people to know about 50 Shades of Greed is that our brand goes beyond just selling floral decor. We aim to inspire self-care and thoughtfulness by offering sustainable, elegant products that are perfect for both personal enjoyment and meaningful gifting. Each arrangement is designed to evoke emotions, create lasting memories, and bring a touch of nature into your space—without the stress of maintenance. We’re committed to sustainability, quality, and offering a lasting alternative to traditional floral arrangements, which aligns with our values of care for both people and the environment.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

Looking back, the three most impactful qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge in my journey have been creativity, resilience, and customer understanding.

Creativity: In the floral decor business, especially with preserved flowers, creativity is key. The ability to think outside the box and design unique, lasting floral arrangements has set my brand apart. Creativity isn’t just about aesthetic choices; it’s also about finding innovative ways to communicate the beauty and benefits of preserved flowers to customers. For those starting their journey, my advice is to nurture your creative side. Stay inspired by trends, art, and nature, and don’t be afraid to push boundaries in your work. Regular practice, exposure to diverse artistic forms, and experimenting with different ideas will help your creativity flourish.

Resilience: Like any business owner, I’ve faced challenges—whether it’s competition, economic shifts, or just learning curves. Resilience helped me push through and keep growing, even when things didn’t go as planned. For those just starting out, resilience is a skill you need to consciously develop. Accept that failures and setbacks are part of the journey and use them as learning experiences. Keeping a positive mindset and being adaptable will help you overcome obstacles and keep moving forward.

Customer Understanding: Knowing your audience is vital. For me, learning about what my customers want in terms of style, sustainability, and care has helped me design products that truly resonate. Early in your journey, focus on really understanding your target market. Engage with your customers, seek feedback, and be willing to adjust your approach based on what they’re looking for. The more you understand their needs, the better equipped you’ll be to provide value.

My advice for who is early in their journey is that nothing will stay still, be prepared for changes, re-pivoting and embrace challenges. Cultivate creativity by surrounding yourself with inspiration, build resilience by seeing setbacks as learning opportunities, and continuously learn from your audience to create products or services that stand out.

Thanks so much for sharing all these insights with us today. Before we go, is there a book that’s played in important role in your development?

As a dried flower shop owner, I absolutely love the book Surrounded by Idiots because it offers profound insights into human behavior, communication, and understanding different personality types—skills that are essential when running a business, especially one focused on personalized products like floral decor. The book breaks down four primary personality types (Red, Yellow, Green, and Blue), helping me better understand my team, customers, and partners.

In my line of work, where emotions and personal preferences play a significant role, knowing how to communicate effectively with people of different temperaments allows me to tailor experiences and customer service. For example, when dealing with clients, understanding whether they are more detail-oriented or big-picture thinkers helps me guide them in selecting the right arrangement. It also helps me manage my team more effectively by recognizing their strengths and communication styles.

Overall, Surrounded by Idiots has made me more empathetic, improved my ability to connect with others, and helped me create a more harmonious business environment—skills that directly benefit my shop, 50 Shades of Greed.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.50shadesofgreed.com
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/50shadesofgreed/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/50ShadesOfGreed
• Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@50shadesofgreed