Meet Casandra Cisneros | Floral Design and Botanical endeavors

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

Hi Casandra, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
The most important factor behind the success of my brand is intention and motives. I feel the common misconception of most small business owners tends to be that we’re all in it to eventually become “big” businesses with high profits. Which for me is far from what I want for my business. Of course I want to be successful. I want be able to make income and support my lifestyle, but my goal isn’t to be a “big” business. Cash rules everything around, and sometimes it’s hard to differentiate the intentions businesses have. For me I keep myself grounded through my intentions and my motives. I became my own business because I wanted to be able to have a choice in who I work with. How I work and what I’m not willing to do when it comes to my morals or integrity. I also know that breaking away from the norms and choosing to run my business this way is a privilege. So with my brand I make it a priority to always be trustworthy, honest and impactful. I constantly ask myself “what are my motives?”. Is this going to make me happy? Will someone be hurt by my profits? Can I use this opportunity as a platform for those that need one? I’m not perfect but I think that as my business grows if I keep those intentions and motives on top of my profits. I’ll be able to make an impact with my business.

Let’s talk shop? Tell us more about your career, what can you share with our community?
I never used to think of myself as a creative person. I was more of a problem solver/ analytical. I thought you could only possess one or the other. I really believe the losses I had in my life opened up new ways of seeing myself. The constant reminders of life being too short gave me the push I needed to live life for me without being fearful of failure. The love for flowers and plants has always been with me. Vera Verde grew from the seed of Palo Verde. It was a barrio where dodger stadium now sits. The stories of my family gave me the courage to continue to push forward even when it felt like I was being buried. The loss of my grandparents who I was extremely close to jumpstarted my passion for life. I always loved being in the garden with my grandma. Feeling the dirt between my toes gave me a connection to this earth. Vera Verde keeps my grandparents memory alive. I’ve become closer to my family by the way of flowers and plants. The idea of giving something like flowers to someone just out of pure thought felt like the most innocent aspect of being human. The act of giving and sharing something so precious that lasts such a short time almost feels priceless. Acts of love to oneself and to others through flowers feels powerful. My love language is time and gifts. So I really feel working with flowers I found a way to give love to all around.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
I’m a park person. So we are definitely going to Elysian park or Griffith park for a picnic. I’ll take you to the Huntington Library  for a beautiful stroll through the most amazing plant and floral garden. Later we will cruise to the short stop for Motown on mondays (Best dance night on Monday’s)

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I want to shout out to mi Familia and the barrio formally known as Palo Verde. (Now known as Chavez Ravine) The stories of my family struggles with keeping their identity through all the chaos and uprooting has shaped the person I am and I call upon my ancestors on the daily to help me navigate. The passing of my grandma Helen last year pushed me to pursue my dream of becoming a business owner.

Website: Veraverdestudio.com

Instagram: Veraverde.studio