An Inspired Chat with Patricia Poto of Downtown Phoenix

We recently had the chance to connect with Patricia Poto and have shared our conversation below.

Patricia, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What is a normal day like for you right now?
A normal day always starts with movement. I take my dog for a walk through our historic downtown Phoenix neighborhood a stop at Bang Bang Coffee is a favorite. After that, it’s Orange Blossom Pilates to get my body moving and clear my mind.

Then the workday begins. It’s a mix of creativity and business Zoom consultations for upcoming spring and fall weddings and events, dreaming up new ideas, and constantly pulling inspiration from social media, design videos, and floral technique research.

I’m a huge believer in staying connected to my community, too. I love popping into local spots like Forno for a bite to eat or grabbing a sweet treat from Lix Ice Cream. Being rooted in the heart of Phoenix fuels me creatively. It keeps me inspired, present, and tuned in to what’s trending.

Every day is a blend of beauty, creativity, and connection and that’s exactly how I like it.

Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’ve been in love with flowers for as long as I can remember. That passion bloomed into Wild Child Floral Design, where we craft florals for weddings, corporate events, and private celebrations that are anything but ordinary.

I’m not just a floral designer, I’m a storyteller. Every bouquet, centerpiece, or large-scale installation is created to reflect the people, place, and emotion of the moment. I love combining unexpected textures, bold color palettes, and thoughtful details that make someone stop and say, “I’ve never seen that before.”

What sets Wild Child apart is that we don’t follow a formula. I work closely with every client to ensure the flowers reflect them, whether their style is minimalist and modern, lush and romantic, or wildly whimsical.

Right now, I’m designing for everything from intimate backyard weddings to large-scale corporate events, and I’m constantly exploring new techniques and trends to evolve our work. At the core of it all, my goal is simple: to create floral art that sparks joy and leaves a lasting impression.

Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
The person who had the biggest influence on me was Phil Rulloda, a world-renowned AIFD floral designer from Southern California. I interned with him early in my career, and it was nothing short of transformative.

Phil owned several flower shops and was deeply involved in floral competitions. His artistry was unmatched he would braid, bend, and weave materials in ways I’d never seen. He used unusual foliages, tropicals, lotus pods, and palm leaves to create high-end designs that still felt free and full of life.

What I learned from Phil was that floral design isn’t just technique it’s about connecting with nature and letting your creativity lead. He brought so much heart and spirituality to his work. That kind of passion is contagious, and I carry it with me every day.

Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
Yes, during the COVID-19 pandemic. It felt like the world shut down overnight, and as a florist, I was suddenly considered non-essential. Everything was on hold or indefinitely postponed. It was a deeply uncertain, terrifying time.

I remember thinking: Should I even still be doing this? Will flowers still matter in a world like this? Weddings were delayed again and again, and people started viewing flowers as a luxury something we could live without.

But I kept going. And I’m so glad I did. Now more than ever, people understand the value of beauty, celebration, and connection. Flowers are more than decoration they bring meaning, joy, and light into people’s lives. That’s something worth holding onto.

Next, maybe we can discuss some of your foundational philosophies and views? What are the biggest lies your industry tells itself?
That you should DIY your florals.

It sounds fun and easy, and yes it might seem like a way to save money. But the truth is, you sacrifice so much. It’s a huge time commitment, it’s stressful, and it often means you don’t get to fully enjoy your day.

I’ve seen it happen countless times people order from wholesale sites or places like Costco, and the flowers arrive late, damaged, or not at all like they imagined. The quality suffers, the stress takes over, and instead of magic, it turns into a mess.

Florals are living art. When you hire a professional, you’re not just buying stems you’re investing in vision, experience, and peace of mind. We know how to source the best product, handle it with care, and bring your vision to life in a way that feels effortless and beautiful.

Okay, so before we go, let’s tackle one more area. What is the story you hope people tell about you when you’re gone?
I hope people say I was crazy fun, that I brought joy and energy everywhere I went. That I lived to do flowers and poured my whole heart into them.

I want to be remembered for the wild, beautiful, unexpected experiences I helped create and for the happiness they brought. That I lit up a room, truly loved what I did, and made people feel that love through every detail.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://wildchildfloral.com/
• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wildchildfloral
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/WildChildFloralDesign/

Image Credits
Photos by Andrea Neff Photography + Tony George Photo