Today we’d like to introduce you to Shannon Tidwell.
Hi Shannon, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, you could tell our readers some of your backstories.
For my entire life, all that I was ever going to be was a veterinarian. So it is wild to reflect on where I am today! I graduated from Texas A&M University in 2019 with a Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science. I took my first big-girl job at Cedar Park High School as an Ag Science Teacher teaching Floral Design. At that point, I had about six months of floral design experience. I taught myself a lot that year! I found mentors I could call with questions, went to workshops, watched tutorials, and just flat-out learned. One of my college friends recruited me to do the flowers for her wedding in the summer of 2020 (Yes, In the middle of COVID! And it was beautiful, matching masks and all!). I was terrified and excited all at the same time. Little did I know that her trusting me with that responsibility would blossom into the life that I am living today.
After completing that first wedding, I knew I wanted to continue doing large-scale floral work either by myself or through my high school floral design program. Over the past three years, my Advanced Floral students at Cedar Park and Vandegrift High School have helped complete the florals for numerous weddings and events. I have taken every opportunity to provide real-life industry experience for my students and myself. Last year, I went back to school to obtain my Master of Education in Administration while, in the back of my mind, still wanting to do more in the floral industry. My husband encouraged me to branch out independently, and I finally did it! I fell in love with teaching because I am passionate about loving people. I fell in love with floral design because I love bringing joy into others’ lives through flowers. So here I am, an ag teacher with a master’s degree in administration who finds her happy place sharing her talents with others! Doing weddings and events combines my love of people and my love of floristry! 512 Flower Company came to fruition in March of 2023, and I am overwhelmed by the support I have received so far!
Alright, let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what challenges have you had to overcome?
Bringing 512 Flower Company to life was fairly simple with my connections in the industry and my CPA’s help (ha!). The challenge now is marketing myself and my work. There are phenomenal artists in the Austin area that I admire immensely. It can be intimidating to jump into this network, knowing that I must set myself apart in some way to catch potential clients’ attention. One challenge is getting my passion and heart for what I do translated accurately through social media. Once potential clients speak with me, either simply over email or during a face-to-face consultation, I am confident that they will feel at ease working with me! I am lucky to be surrounded by a community that has built me up and helped me share my heart and work with everyone they know!
Let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
My primary goal is to serve as a wedding and event florist in the greater Austin area; however, I would also love to offer Floral Design Short Courses/Workshops for events or parties. As a Floral Design Teacher, I am well-versed in all design styles and can do and teach anything. Every wedding that I have completed thus far has been entirely different! I have yet to become a florist that has one specific style. I do take immense pride in the bridal bouquets that I have made! The bridal bouquet becomes a focal in so many photos, so I take time to ensure that it will enhance the beauty of the person carrying it.
My willingness to create whatever it is that my clients envision is what sets me apart. I will brainstorm with my clients and help narrow their vision to ensure that what is provided on their special day is everything they dreamed of! I take my role as someone’s florist very seriously (while making it the most fun process!). I want my clients to know that they are a priority and that I am only a phone call away if they have any questions, concerns, or new ideas!
Is there a quality that you most attribute to your success?
A quality that I will attribute to my success is my passion for people and ability to make the people I work with feel like they mean everything to me! I have the talent and artistry to produce beautiful floral designs. That talent will only continue to develop as time goes on. My abilities improve after each wedding that I have the honor to do! What is not more easily learned is how to meet people where they are and instill trust in them that you are there to fully support them.
Pricing:
- Every wedding/event is individually & uniquely priced based on the client’s needs.
- No minimum
Contact Info:
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/512flowerco/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100090933768901
Image Credits
Kendrick Shaw @kendrickterrellphotography,Rachel Driskell @racheldriskellphoto, Megan Steidley @timelesstx Eryn Chandler @erynchandlerphoto
