Meet Aileen Warren | Designer & Owner – 50 Shades of Greed

We had the good fortune of connecting with Aileen Warren and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Aileen, can you walk us through the thought-process of starting your business?

Certainly, I’d be happy to share my story. I’m Aileen, and I co-founded ’50 Shades of Greed’ along with my husband. Our journey into the world of dried flowers began with a desire to create something meaningful that would belong to both of us.

The inspiration for our store came from a simple act of love. My husband used to surprise me with fresh flowers, a gesture I always cherished. However, as beautiful as those bouquets were, there was always a sense of sadness when they eventually withered away, taking with them some of the memories they represented. Over time, I realized that I wanted a way to preserve not just the beauty of those blooms but also the precious memories they symbolized.

That’s when I delved into researching eternal flowers—blooms that could stand the test of time. I envisioned them as more than just a gift; they would be a piece of decor that could be cherished for years, a way to preserve memories for those who truly wanted to hold onto them. This vision led us to open ’50 Shades of Greed,’ where we’ve poured our passion into creating stunning dried flower arrangements that capture the essence of lasting beauty and enduring memories.”
As individuals with busy schedules, we both yearned for decor that required minimal maintenance. We also shared a love for vibrant flowers that could brighten up any space, even those areas with limited sunlight. Dried flowers emerged as the perfect solution, offering both the visual appeal we craved and the low-maintenance lifestyle we needed.

Our love for decoration, especially floral decor, played a vital role in the store’s inception. We envisioned offering unique pieces that reflected our deep appreciation for nature without burdening our customers with excessive costs. ’50 Shades of Greed’ was conceived as a platform to share our passion for the natural world through affordable yet exquisite floral arrangements that could be cherished in any environment.

Most importantly, we wanted our venture to have a positive impact on the world. Our commitment to sustainability and responsible sourcing ensures that every purchase benefits not only our customers but also the environment. It’s our way of giving back, of making a difference, and of spreading the beauty of nature’s artistry while preserving it for generations to come.

Can you give our readers an introduction to your business? Maybe you can share a bit about what you do and what sets you apart from others?
Absolutely, I’d be delighted to share more about ’50 Shades of Greed.’ Our business is a labor of love, rooted in our passion for sustainable decor and the enduring beauty of nature.

One key factor that sets us apart from other dried flower stores is our commitment to sustainability and unique design.

We take a responsible approach to sourcing our flowers. We not only focus on the beauty of the blooms but also on their environmental impact. We dry a significant portion of our flowers in-house, ensuring that our processes are eco-friendly and sustainable. This means less waste and a reduced carbon footprint, contributing to environmental benefit.

Our store exclusively carries creatively designed vases, most of which are either handcrafted in-house or responsibly sourced. These vases are an integral part of our arrangements and add a distinctive touch to our products. The combination of our uniquely designed vases and carefully selected dried flowers creates one-of-a-kind arrangements that resonate with our audience.

Our reputation has grown beyond just a store. We’ve had the privilege of working with local restaurants, becoming their dedicated dried flower designer. This collaboration has allowed us to bring our artistic floral creations into larger spaces, further highlighting our commitment to exceptional design and quality.

We’re incredibly proud of our journey and how far we’ve come. It hasn’t always been easy, though. Like any venture, we faced challenges along the way. The initial hurdle was finding the perfect balance between offering affordable, elegant decor and adhering to sustainable practices. It took time to establish relationships with responsible suppliers and refine our crafting techniques.

Let me take you back to the early days of ’50 Shades of Greed.’ When we first started, we had a vision of offering affordable, sustainable dried flower arrangements, but finding the right suppliers who shared our commitment to responsible sourcing was a significant challenge.

We spent countless hours researching and connecting with potential partners who aligned with our values. It was a journey filled with ups and downs, but we were determined to stay true to our mission. Finally, we found a small family-owned farm that shared our passion for sustainability. They specialized in growing and preserving flowers using eco-friendly methods, and their commitment to ethical practices resonated deeply with us.

However, our challenges didn’t end there. Crafting our unique, intricate vases and dried flower arrangements required time and patience. It was a labor-intensive process, and the learning curve was steep. There were moments when we questioned whether we could bring our vision to life.

But we persevered, fueled by our passion for our mission. We sought guidance from experienced artisans, refined our techniques, and learned from every mistake along the way. The support of our customers played a crucial role as well. Their enthusiasm and feedback motivated us to push through the tough times.

Today, we are incredibly proud of where ’50 Shades of Greed’ stands. We’ve overcome these challenges, and our brand has grown not only as a store but as a symbol of sustainability and creativity. We’ve learned that with determination and a strong commitment to our values, we can overcome any obstacle.

In terms of our brand, many of our customers asked the inspiration behind our name, 50 Shades of Greed, allow me to share the story behind our name and its significance.

Our shop’s name, ’50 Shades of Greed,’ is more than just a catchy phrase; it’s a reflection of our mission and values.

In our relentless pursuit of sourcing the most sustainable and vibrant mix of flowers and plants from around the world, we aim to offer a truly diverse range of dried flowers. The name ’50 Shades’ symbolizes the myriad of options we provide, emphasizing the extensive variety available in the market.

Traditionally, fresh and vibrant-colored flowers are associated with temporality and fragility. However, we challenge this notion by introducing the concept of perpetual real flowers. ‘Greed’ serves as a reminder to question the limitations imposed by common sense. It grants us permission to be unsatisfied with the status quo and to embrace the belief that what seems impossible can indeed be achieved.

This relentless pursuit of ‘more’ has been instrumental in realizing our dreams and keeping us motivated. By embracing ‘Greed,’ we continue to push boundaries, explore new possibilities, and deliver on our commitment to offering exceptional products and experiences.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
This is such a fun question. Given that I travel frequently between Austin and Houston, I can really cover both cities in this week long trip. Here is what I would propose as the itinerary.

Day 1: Arrival and Welcome Dinner in Houston

Morning: Begin the journey in Houston.

Evening: For the first evening, start with a delightful dinner at a local farm-to-table restaurant in Houston, where you can catch up and plan your week ahead.

Day 2: Exploring Houston’s Cultural Scene

Morning: Dive into the city’s rich culture by visiting the Museum of Fine Arts, Houston, and enjoy brunch at a nearby café, Bosta Kitchen.

Afternoon: Explore the Space Center Houston for a taste of space exploration history.

Evening: Head to the vibrant Midtown district for dinner at a trendy eatery and enjoy the nightlife with live music at one of Houston’s famous jazz clubs.

Day 3: Nature and Art in Austin

Morning: Drive to Austin and start the day with a hike in the Barton Creek Greenbelt.

Afternoon: Visit the Contemporary Austin – Laguna Gloria to explore art amidst nature. Enjoy lunch at a local food truck.

Evening: Experience the live music scene on Sixth Street and indulge in a Tex-Mex dinner at a classic Austin restaurant.

Day 4: Hill Country Adventure

Morning: Take a scenic drive through the Texas Hill Country. Explore the charming town of Fredericksburg and its wineries.

Afternoon: Visit Enchanted Rock State Natural Area for a hike and enjoy a picnic in the beautiful surroundings.

Evening: Return to Austin and dine at Uchi or Uchiko, a prestigious restaurant in Austin, plus I can showcase my dried flower arrangements in either of them, I am the designated florist for the restaurants.

Day 5: Austin’s Quirky Side

Morning: Discover the eclectic South Congress Avenue, known for its unique shops and food trucks. Enjoy breakfast at a local café.

Afternoon: Explore the Graffiti Park at Castle Hill, a colorful outdoor art gallery.

Evening: Savor dinner at an upscale Austin restaurant and end the day with a moonlit bat-watching cruise on Lady Bird Lake.

Day 6: Houston’s Culinary Delights

Morning: Drive back to Houston and start the day with a visit to the Houston Museum of Natural Science.

Afternoon: Satisfy your culinary cravings with a diverse array of international cuisine options for lunch in Houston’s Midtown.

Evening: Treat yourselves to a gourmet dinner at one of Houston’s renowned steakhouses.

Day 7: Farewell and Departure

Morning: Wrap up your week with a relaxing morning in Houston. You can visit the Houston Zoo or take a leisurely walk in Hermann Park.

Afternoon: Enjoy a farewell lunch at a local seafood restaurant before dropping your friend off at the airport for their departure.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
Absolutely. First and foremost, I have to highlight my husband’s incredible dedication. He’s not just my life partner but also a co-owner of our dried flower store. His unwavering support, both in terms of time and effort, has been instrumental in bringing my passion for dried flowers to life.

My husband is more than just a co-owner; he’s my business partner in the truest sense. He actively invests his time and effort into nurturing our business. He shares responsibilities, navigates challenges, and celebrates our achievements with me. His belief in my vision and our shared dreams is the driving force behind our entrepreneurial journey.

In addition, my children are a constant source of inspiration and motivation in both my business and personal life. They provide a profound sense of purpose that keeps me moving forward, no matter how challenging the journey may be.

My children are not just witnesses to my entrepreneurial journey; they are active participants who contribute to its success in ways that are difficult to quantify. They bring joy, purpose, and a sense of fulfillment to my life and work. Their presence is a constant reminder that our efforts are not only for today but also for building a better tomorrow for them and for future generations.

Website: www.50ShadesofGreed.com

Instagram: instagram.com/50ShadesOfGreed

Facebook: www.facebook.com/50shadesofgreed

Other: Tiktok: www.tiktok.com/50shadesofgreed

Image Credits
Megan Lin, Matthew Suh and Zachary Warren