Meet Bethany Tipps

We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Bethany Tipps. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Bethany below.

Bethany , thanks so much for taking the time to share your insights and lessons with us today. We’re particularly interested in hearing about how you became such a resilient person. Where do you get your resilience from?

I was asked, “Where did you get your resilience from?” Honestly, I think everyone wants to excel from the start. Resilience is something nobody, including myself, ever wants to cultivate. But I realized that, as the quote I held onto when I started my flower business says, “You have to be bad at something before you can be good at it.” I understood that to grow personally, I had to begin somewhere.

There’s a proverb I heard long ago that says, “Don’t despise small beginnings.” This idea has been crucial throughout my work journey. Often, we try things that don’t work out, and we have to try again. When I first started, I had no background in flowers—just floral stationery and a desire to give it a go. No doors opened for me; nobody let me in. That’s why I started my own business. I couldn’t break into the industry due to my lack of experience, so I decided to create my own path.

It might sound silly, but when you have no background in something, it’s tough to get your foot in the door. Little by little, I trusted my instincts and created things I found beautiful. Now, I’ve had people who let me in and from whom I’ve learned.

Ultimately, as I said at the beginning, nobody wants to be resilient; they just want to be good. My resilience comes from failing and having to try repeatedly.

Thanks, so before we move on maybe you can share a bit more about yourself?

I am a floral designer and the owner of Darling Florence. At Darling Florence, our primary focus is on people. We believe in surrounding people with beauty and leaving a positive impact on the earth and those around us through our events.

What excites us most about what we do is the people we create for. In this industry, it’s easy to focus on money, influence, and power, but we prioritize making our clients feel loved and seen before and after their events. We aim for our impact on their lives and the planet to be positive and lasting.

We strive to source from local farmers whenever possible, although it can be challenging in Texas. We also maintain our own garden to practice what we preach, cultivating our appreciation for how difficult it is to grow things.

As for what people can expect from us, we specialize in events and weddings. We also offer personalized floral workshops for small groups, focusing on creating centerpieces and bouquets. Our next big project is expanding into a few select grocery stores. We want to make our unique, specialty flowers more accessible, ensuring that you don’t need an event or a special occasion to enjoy beautiful, high-quality flowers. Unlike the typical selection in grocery store floral sections, we aim to provide unique and fresh options that bring something special to everyday life.

If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?

When asked about the most important skills I’ve learned on my journey and what others could benefit from if they’re in the early stages of starting a business, here are my thoughts:

First and foremost, organization is crucial. Administrative skills are essential, and if you don’t have them, find someone who does and can support you. I’ve seen highly creative individuals struggle because they fall into debt, become overwhelmed, and create chaotic, toxic cultures. Strong administrative skills are vital for maintaining stability and efficiency.

Secondly, trusting your gut is a skill that shouldn’t be underestimated. Learning to trust your instincts and what you believe is beautiful is essential. It’s easy to try to guess what others want, but this can lead to a loss of originality. Whether it’s something as simple as choosing your favorite color, believing in your taste and judgment is key.

Thirdly, being kind is an invaluable skill. Many people don’t realize the impact they have on others. Especially in the wedding industry, which is fast-paced and high-pressure, it’s easy to hurt or be hurt in the hustle. Kindness is essential for being a team player and for creating a supportive environment. Remembering that we’re all human and that everyone deserves to feel seen and cared for is important. In an industry focused on special moments, it’s crucial to treat others with kindness and respect, as these moments are fleeting and significant.

Who has been most helpful in helping you overcome challenges or build and develop the essential skills, qualities or knowledge you needed to be successful?

When asked who has been the most influential person in helping me develop the essential skills and qualities needed for success, without a doubt, it has been Alicia Rico from Bows and Arrows Flowers. Getting the chance to work with Alicia took persistence on my part, as she is a hard-working florist I admire immensely.

Alicia’s influence has been transformative for me. She taught me the importance of clear and direct communication. With Alicia, I never had to guess what she wanted. She provided honest and immediate feedback, allowing me to grow and improve. In an industry where many shy away from giving constructive criticism, Alicia stands out. She genuinely cares about your development, both as an individual and as a creator.

Another profound lesson I’ve learned from Alicia is the power of color in floral design. She has an exceptional talent for making colors come alive, creating arrangements that are not just beautiful but truly moving. Watching her work, I’ve come to appreciate how color can transform a bunch of flowers into a living piece of art.

Alicia’s kindness and willingness to mentor me have been invaluable. She welcomed me into her world, communicated her expectations clearly, showed me how to achieve them, and supported me as I learned and grew. I am deeply grateful for her guidance and care. Without Alicia, I wouldn’t be where I am today. Her impact on my life and career is immeasurable, and I hold her in the highest regard.

Contact Info:

• Website: https://www.darlingflorence.co
• Instagram: @darlingflorenceco

Image Credits

Photos:
Dylan De Paul Photography