Today we’d like to introduce you to Calista Wilson.
Hi Calista, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
The Flower Box was established in the 1980s by the Berger family, becoming a beloved fixture in our community. Over the years, this family-owned business blossomed into a popular place to get beautiful floral arrangements and creative designs. In 2017, my husband Kelly, Danielle Taylor, her husband Cody, and I took over the business, eager to continue its legacy and bring new energy to its operations.
I have a deep passion for art and creating, which I channeled into my work at The Flower Box. When I felt confident managing the business, we faced an unexpected challenge: the COVID-19 pandemic. During this difficult time, we had to close our doors temporarily. However, with support from our small town, we adapted quickly by offering contactless deliveries, allowing us to stay connected with our customers and keep the business alive.
Today, Tara McKee and I are the two full-time workers who dedicate ourselves to running The Flower Box. We work tirelessly to ensure the business’s success, navigating each day with a sense of purpose and resilience. Every day presents new surprises, especially with the ever-changing prices and availability of flowers, which keep us constantly challenged. Despite these obstacles, our passion and community support help us to thrive.
The Flower Box’s journey reflects not only the growth of a family business but also the determination of a community that believes in supporting local enterprises. We look forward to many more years of creating beauty, one flower at a time.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
The COVID-19 pandemic was an incredibly difficult time for everyone. Today, the closure of wholesalers and flower farms has made sourcing flowers a new challenge. In addition, recent tariffs have also created unexpected obstacles for the industry.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
We are a small flower shop in a small town which gives us the unique opportunity to learn what people love. We have the privilege of helping couples plan their weddings, then later seeing them start families and watch their lives grow. We also assist families in planning funeral arrangements-something that, perhaps unexpectedly, has become one our most meaningful parts of what we do. When people come in to choose flowers for their loved ones, they often share stories and memories that remind us just how special each life is. Being a part of those moments will always hold a special place in our hearts.
What were you like growing up?
Growing up in Abilene, I was always drawing. I remember once getting sent to my room as a kid, and while I was there, I took a sharpie and drew an entire dragon that covered my entire wall. Fortunately for me, my parents must have been impressed-they weren’t even mad and left it there until after I graduated.
In high school, I began channeling my creativity into more productive outlets. I was hired to paint an enclosed trailer for a business and excelled in art class. Unfortunately, my limited computer skills made it difficult to pursue a career in art at the time, so I kept it as something I enjoyed doing on the side–until the opportunity with The Flower Box came along.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://theflowerboxks.com
