What is your motto? "Do On To Others As You Would Like To Have Done Onto Yourself “
Who is your hero and why?
My heroes are everyone who has ever been beaten down, bullied, or just told no in one way or another and has gotten up and made something of themselves and has become entrepreneurs, succeed in life and has given back to the community.
What is the greatest gift you've ever given?
The gift of love, laughter & friendship. We can give beautiful things. But it’s the things you can’t hold that are the most beautiful of all.
What is the greatest gift you've ever received?
The gift of love, laughter, friendship & life.
Why did you start your own business?
I started my own business because I wanted to answer only to myself and I saw a lot of things that I thought were wrong and this gave me a chance to do things Cassie’s way. Not always the best but I try.
Do you like being self employed?
Yes I do like being self employed. It lets me get what I have to done on my own time and lets me put my heart in to all I do.
Did you always know you would design flowers?
No, Can you believe that. When I bought the store it was more antiques & giftables. As an afterthought the flowers were added to the store. The previous owner really didn’t market the flowers. I always wanted to own a store where I could put all the things I luv in one place, but saw a market for something bigger. I have always had an eye for decorating, displaying, designing. But as I got in to it I found I really needed just a little push so I went for a 3 week floral design course and got added training. Only 10% of floral designer go for the extra training. I went to the best school & learned from a master who has been in the industry for 50ish years. So I took what I learned and adapted it into today’s standards. I’m not your grandmother’s florist. I’m new, fresh, modern & unique. And out of that opportunity I became the flower lady
What do you love about having a flower shop?
All the people I get to help make their day. Some are sad some are mad & some are lost. But after one of my designs they are all happy. Flowers really do brighten up everyone’s Days
What type of customer is best for you?
Really every customer is a really good customer for me. Like I always say we all know someone coming into this world and out of this world and everyone in between. And everyone needs flowers for every faucet of their lives.
What type of job or arrangement do you like best?
Really every event is a blessing and I love doing them all. I really like doing the weddings & events, but without my customers that need funeral & everyday work I’d be lost. So I love every faucet of my job. Everyone needs flowers for every faucet of their lives and I love helping them achieve that.
Is it difficult to have your own business while raising a family?
Kind-of. Since my family is four legged I bring them with me everywhere. They go on deliveries and errands with me. I’m very lucky this way. Check out their facebook page GILLEN GIRLS to see just how sweet & cute they are.
Do you have any pets?
Yes, I have four beautiful “girls” Mercedes & Lexi are my Boston’s and they also have two Maltese sisters Yipper & Banana. They are all so beautiful and I love them more than life itself. Of course it’s a challenge when they all think their lap dogs and all want to sit in my lap as one. But there is no greater joy in the would because they truly show you every minute of the day what unconditional love is.
What is your favorite color?
Pink (all shades), purple, tiffany blue, chocolate
What is favorite dessert?
Anything that has carbs in it. I haven’t meet a pastier I haven’t loved
Who is your all time celebrate crush?
Omg, how do I answer this? My top 20 in order I guess… Ryan Reynolds, Ben Affleck, Shia LaBeouf, Mark Wahlberg, Alex O’Laughlin, Matt Damon, Jensen Ackles, Jake Gyllehal, Patrick Dempsey, Josh Duhamel, Michael Vartan, James Marsden, Scott Caan, Keanu Reeves, Hayden Christensen, Josh Hartnett, Zac Erfon, Bruce Wills, Jimmy Fallon, & Mark Harmon
What was your first job?
My first job was a “mothers helper”(it was before they started calling us nanny’s) I watched four kids under the age of 5 when I started till the oldest was like 11. Boy if that doesn’t get you ready for life I don’t know what does.
What are your volunteer activities?
I am the current president for the Dormont Business Association, I’m a collection point for Pittsburgh Tote Bag program, I have organized fundraiser for the KDKA TURKEY FUND, and I truly believe if we all do one RAK a day the world would be a much better place, a happier place. I have started a facebook page named CASSANDRA’S FLORALS RAK’S for the sharing of this idea. I have also volunteered throughout the years w/ many many worthy organizations. And have won awards for my volunteerism.
If you were to change one thing about yourself, what would it be?
I would lose 70 pounds and not swear as much.
What is the one thing that you love the most about yourself?
I love that I am always true to myself.
What do you appreciate most about your life?
I love that I am alive for another day.
What's the first thing you notice in a person of the opposite sex?
T heir eyes & their smile. They both have to be honest. I also love someone who has a great sense of humor.
Any regrets from life or past relationships?
That they didn’t last.
Do you miss your childhood & Are you still in contact with any of your childhood friends?
Yes I miss my childhood. I would love to go back and change stuff who wouldn’t but hind sight is the currency that everyone would like. But, no I don’t still talk with any friends from than.
Do you think would anybody wish to get into a relationship with you?
Yes, I hope they would I’m very loving person and would give 1000 % to that person.
If you were to win $100 million, what would you do with all that money?
I would help my family, friends first than I would fix up the store to be the best ever. After that I would rescue all the abused animals everywhere and give it to those who needed it more.
If you were to get an opportunity to live anywhere in the world, which part of the world would you choose?
I would love to live in Europe, London, France, Italy, Greek Islands, I guess I would like to live everywhere for a little while and soak up the culture.
What is your greatest indulgence?
Any thing Chocolate, or has the word Carb in it.
What is the best advice you have ever received? The best advice that I ever received came from a very good and wise woman who said “who cares what they think of you… the only thing that matters is what you think of yourself”!!! Very powerful words.
Which social event is your favorite?
The Pittsburgh Social Exchange Events, Pittsburgh Professional Women Events are always fun & the South West Chamber of Commoners’ After Hour Events.
Favorite Clothing Store’s?
Any place that I get a great bargain in!
What would you love to try or What are the 5ish most important things you would include in your things-to-do list?
In no particular order: surfing, travel more, go cruising around the world, snuba, zip lining, drive a race car & win a race, make a movie (with all the above mentioned stars), swim with the dolphins, swim with whales, ride a Thoroughbred horse, write a book, have my own reality show, go on Iron Chef America & be a judge, be a judge for Chopped & Top Chef too, Have a one on one with the president, interview Barbara Walters, Fight a American Gladiator, go on the show Wipeout, Take a photo course, Swim in the coral reef, draw & build my dream house, Win the lottery, buy a farm so I can rescue every stray or beaten animal, be interviewed by Oprah, Dance with Ellen on her stage, end world hunger, be a contestant on Celebrity Apprentice, Walk a red carpet with any of the above mentioned stars, Find a hidden treasure. I reserve the right to always add to this list :?
Favorite Clothing Store’s?
Any place that I get a great bargain in!
What kind of music do you like?
Oldies (60’s,70’s & 80’s), Soft rock & anything BEE GEES
Which is your favorite genre of movies?
I luv Comedy, Romance, Suspense & Action.
Favorite Movie
The original Star Wars IV, Day after Tomorrow, 2012, Armageddon, Speed, National Treasure, Green Lantern, Pearl Harbor, Cast Away, Titanic, All the Die Hard’s & every chick movie ever made. I’m sure there’s more but drawing a blank, I have like a thousand movies
Favorite T.V Show
Hawaii 5-o, Project Runway (all), The Closer, 2 ½ men, Dancing with the Stars, Law & Order, Law &Order SVU, NCIS, Top Chef (all), Copped, Next Iron Chef, Next Food Network Star, Design Star HGTV, Iron Chef America, Oprah’s Next Chapter, Days of our Lives, Royal Pains, Good Luck Charlie, Wizards of Waverly Place, Jessie, Gray’s Anatomy, Private Practice, Snapped, Chuck, Shark Tank, Big Bang Theory, Psych, Good Wife, Late Night With Jimmy Fallon & Jimmy Kimmel Live. Then I luv Reality TV: Cake Boss (all), Tori & Dean Home Sweet Hollywood, Jerseylicious, Joan & Melissa, Tia & Tamera, Toddlers & Tiaras, Real Housewife’s of Beverly Hills, Say Yes to Dress, My Fair Wedding w/David Tutera, Fashion Police. And I also luv the oldies: Little House on Prairie, x Files, ER, Everyone Luvs Raymond, Home Improvement, Goast Whisperer. I also love the Bio Channel, History Channel, Own, E network, the Emmys, Golden Globes,& Oscars :?
If you had no fear, what action would you take in order to make your life better?
I would get my own reality show. Hell if Kate can do it so can I. My life is just as messed up as hers.
What do you like to do in your free time or What do you like to do in your spare time/on weekends?
I love to watch movies & tv, shop, fix up my store, promote my store, meet people, promote the store on facebook & hang out with my “GIRLS”
What gives a woman/man style?
I think a person gets their style from their inner self & how they carry themselves. Also having money helps. Let’s be honest. A 1,000 dress does lay better than a 10 dollar dress
If you asked your best friend to describe you, what would they say?
I hope they would say that I am a very honest, kind, giving, good & sweet person who is the best florist in Pittsburgh, that would go out of her way to help anyone out. This is how I see me and I hope others do to.
What is your one wish for the world?
My wish would be that we all try to get along. It takes more muscles to frown than to smile and a smile goes a long way. If we all just did one RAK, the world would be such a wonderful place. Also I wish war would go away. Why fight? & remember what your mother said “IF YOU CAN’T SAY SOMETHING NICE…THAN DON’T SAY ANYTHING AT ALL”. If we all have a positive prospective outlook than the world will change for the better. Remember to always enrich, support educate & cheer on others.
love or money?
Well I tried for love the first time. May be this time I’ll try for the money with a little love throwen in.
High salary or job satisfaction?
Job Satisfaction that pay a very high salary
Describe your self. What do you think about yourself and do you think people perceive you in the same way?
I would say I’m 5’7’ with blond hair & a great personality. I have a good sense of humor & I dress rather well when I’m not at the store messing around with the flowers. I think I am kind of pretty like Julia Sillies or Drew Barrymore but not like Megan Fox or Angela Jolie.
Which is your most favorite book ever?
I luv Happy on Purpose because it gives you a clarity on how to live life and Wish I’d known that, because I really wish I knew those things before I opened a business.
Which is the one television character that you simply adore?
Way too many to choose from. I Guess all the strong women and all the really cute guys.
What do you do when you feel very sad or depressed?
I cry for like a minute and realize I can’t change what has made me sad or depressed so I try to fix it hug my “GIRLS” and move on.
What makes you angry? Are you short-tempered? How do you overcome your anger?
Stupid people, mean people, people who cut you off when driving or are always going around the world, and people who try to take advantage of me. Sometimes I am short tempered, have you ever tried to get something from Verizon? But I really try to be nice to everyone & just smile. I overcome it by remembering everyone has good days and bad days. Some just more bad than good :?
Which is the best vacation you've ever had?
I took a cruise twice very relaxing and fun.
If you could have a luncheon with any three people (real or fictitious/from any time period/dead or alive), which three people would you choose and why?
I would choose Abraham Lincoln, Einstein & John F Kennedy Because of what they have accomplished. I have so many more fascinating people to add. We can definitely learn from our past.
Which is your most cherished childhood memory? What kind of kid were you, naughty or nice?
Well all I am going to say is my brother and I were know as frick and frat or destructor and destroyer. And i have many wonderful memories of my childhood it would be hard to just pick one.
If given complete freedom to start afresh, what profession would you choose and why?
I would love to be president so I can change the world for the better or a movie star and work with above mentioned stars.
What is your idea of fun? If given a chance to skip work for a day, how would you spend the entire day?
Fun to me is hanging out with friends and maybe going to a movie. If I dint have to work for a whole day I would prbley sleep.
Which is your favorite time of the day?
When I wake up because I am a wake for another day.
Are you a morning person or a night person?
Oh I am definitely a night person. I would rather work till 5 am than get up at 5am.
What is the craziest thing you've ever done?
I can’t say I an open forum like a blog :? I take the fifth
Name one person you love the most and one person you hate the most.
The people I luv the most are my “GIRLS” and I hate no one. I highly dislike a few but don’t hate.
What is the funniest prank played on you or played by you?
Again… I can’t say I an open forum like a blog :? I take the fifth
If given a choice, which animal would you want to be? Why?
I would want ot be one of my “GIRLS” because they are treated better than most humans
Who was your first crush? Did you ever tell him/her about your feelings?
My first crush was when I was 13 in ocean city Maryland his name was Phillip Steward & no I don’t think I ever told him.
Which is your most favorite place in this earth?
My most favorite place is any where my “GIRLS “ are.
If you were stranded on a lonely beach, what are the five things that you would want to survive?
1. My Girls
2. My Store & everything in it
3. Fire
4. Electricity to run my computer and TV. How would I survive if I didn’t have facebook & TV?
5. The love of my life
So my fellow bloggets & facebookers I hope this helps you understand me better. It’s all here. Please feel free to stop in the store to talk about anything on here or if you come up with any different questions? Have a lovely day. I’m off to be with friends :?
