Meet Lynn Bishoff

We recently connected with Lynn Bishoff and have shared our conversation below.

Hi Lynn, really appreciate your meeting with us today to talk about some particularly personal topics. It means a lot because so many in the community are going through circumstances where your insights and experience and lessons might help, so thank you so much in advance for sharing. The first question we have is about divorce and how you overcame divorce and didn’t allow the trauma of divorce to derail your vision for your life and career.

I’d like to share my story of overcoming the challenge of divorce and how it led me to develop essential entrepreneurial skills and resilience.

In 2020, my life took a significant turn when I went through a divorce. Before this, I had graduated from college and worked in three different Fortune 500 corporate offices until 2014, when I became a full-time stay-at-home mom to my twin girls. My divorce meant that I needed to start making an income again, but I was determined not to return to a full-time corporate job. My daughters were already struggling with the transition, and I didn’t want to add to their stress by being away from them for long hours, especially during the COVID-19 shutdowns.

During that challenging transitional season of life, I decided to explore various side hustles to generate income while being available for my children. I tried my hand at affiliate marketing, interior design, and holiday decorating. Each of these opportunities allowed me to learn and grow in different ways. Affiliate marketing taught me about online business and digital marketing, while interior design and holiday decorating tapped into my creative side and honed my skills in client relations and project management.

Last year, I added a new venture to my resume—pumpkin displays and deliveries. This idea took off, and I launched my business, Next Level Pumpkin Displays & Delivery. Despite the challenges, we’ve served numerous clients and received wonderful feedback, which has been incredibly rewarding.

Overcoming the hurdles of divorce and building a new career from scratch has been incredibly challenging, but it has also been deeply fulfilling. It allowed me to spend more time with my daughters while pursuing my passion for decorating. Through this journey, I’ve developed skills in entrepreneurship, marketing, and customer service, which have made me more resilient and resourceful.

Looking ahead, I am excited about the future of my pumpkin business and hope to continue expanding our services and making a positive impact in our community. This experience has taught me that with determination and support, it’s possible to overcome even the toughest challenges and build a successful, fulfilling career. My journey is a testament to the power of resilience and the importance of pursuing one’s passions, no matter the obstacles.

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

Thank you for the opportunity to share my story! My name is Lynn Bishoff, and I am the owner of Next Level Tree Decor and Next Level Pumpkin Displays & Delivery. These businesses stem from my passion for transforming spaces into festive and inviting environments that bring joy and celebration to people’s lives.

Next Level Tree Decor focuses on holiday tree decorating services, where we create beautifully themed and meticulously decorated trees for both residential and commercial clients. Our goal is to take the stress out of holiday decorating and deliver stunning trees that make the season feel even more magical.

Next Level Pumpkin Displays & Delivery, on the other hand, caters to the fall season by providing elegant and sophisticated pumpkin displays. We offer delivery and arrangement services for pumpkins of various sizes, shapes, and colors to create visually appealing setups that enhance the aesthetic of homes, businesses, and community spaces. Our services include everything from small, charming arrangements for front porches to large-scale displays for corporate events and community centers.

What excites me most about my work is the opportunity to blend creativity with service. Each project allows us to craft unique and memorable displays that resonate with our clients and their guests. It’s incredibly rewarding to see the joy and satisfaction on their faces when they see the final result.

One of the special aspects of our brand is our commitment to giving back to the community. At the end of the season, we pick up and donate pumpkins and hay to local farms and animal rescues. These donations are used for food and insulation for animals, ensuring that our decorations continue to serve a purpose even after the festivities are over.

We are constantly looking to innovate and expand our offerings. This fall, we’ve introduced a new service for car dealerships, where we decorate the areas where customers pick up their new cars and take photos, adding a festive touch to their special moment. Additionally, we are exploring new ways to enhance our holiday tree decorating services with more personalized and customizable options for our clients.

In the coming months, we plan to expand our holiday decoration services to more businesses in and around Prosper, TX, ensuring that as many people as possible can enjoy the festive spirit we bring to their spaces.

Thank you for letting me share a bit about what we do at Next Level Tree Decor and Next Level Pumpkin Displays & Delivery. I look forward to continuing to bring joy and beauty to our clients’ celebrations and spaces.

Looking back, what do you think were the three qualities, skills, or areas of knowledge that were most impactful in your journey? What advice do you have for folks who are early in their journey in terms of how they can best develop or improve on these?

Looking back, three qualities and skills were most impactful in my journey: resilience, adaptability, and entrepreneurial mindset. Each of these played a crucial role in helping me navigate challenges and build a successful business.

Resilience: Resilience is the ability to bounce back from setbacks and keep moving forward despite difficulties. My divorce was a significant challenge, but it also became a catalyst for growth. To develop resilience, it’s essential to maintain a positive mindset and view challenges as opportunities for learning. Surround yourself with a supportive network of friends, family, or mentors who can offer encouragement and advice. Remember, every setback is a setup for a comeback.

Adaptability: The ability to adapt to new situations and pivot when necessary was vital for me. I explored various side hustles like affiliate marketing, interior design, and holiday decorating before finding success with my pumpkin displays and deliveries business. To improve adaptability, be open to new experiences and willing to step out of your comfort zone. Embrace change and be proactive in learning new skills that can help you stay relevant and competitive in your field.

Entrepreneurial Mindset: Having an entrepreneurial mindset involves being innovative, taking calculated risks, and continuously seeking opportunities for growth. This mindset drove me to explore different business ventures and ultimately launch Next Level Pumpkin Displays & Delivery. To cultivate an entrepreneurial mindset, stay curious and always look for ways to improve your products or services. Don’t be afraid to take risks, but ensure they are well-researched and planned. Networking with other entrepreneurs can also provide valuable insights and inspiration.

Advice for Those Early in Their Journey:

Develop Resilience: Practice self-care and mindfulness to build mental strength. Set small, achievable goals and celebrate your progress to keep motivated.
Enhance Adaptability: Keep learning and stay flexible. Take courses, read books, and stay updated with industry trends. Be willing to pivot if something isn’t working.
Foster an Entrepreneurial Mindset: Start small and iterate. Test your ideas on a small scale before scaling up. Seek feedback from your customers and use it to refine your offerings. Network with other entrepreneurs to share experiences and gain new perspectives.
Remember, the journey of entrepreneurship is a marathon, not a sprint. Stay patient, persistent, and open to learning, and you’ll find success in your own time.

Any advice for folks feeling overwhelmed?

When I feel overwhelmed, I rely on two key strategies: prioritizing and staying in the moment. I make a list of everything that needs to be done and prioritize tasks based on urgency and importance. This helps me focus on what really matters and break down large tasks into manageable steps. Additionally, I focus on what has to be done in that moment, putting first things first and the next thing next. I have a new list of what needs to get completed each day and I review and adjust every morning and every evening. This approach helps me stay grounded and more productive without feeling overwhelmed.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/nextlevelpumpkins
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=61563982811302

Image Credits

Nicole Fedele Photography