We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Shannon Tidwell. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Shannon below.
Hi Shannon, thank you so much for opening up with us about some important, but sometimes personal topics. One that really matters to us is overcoming Imposter Syndrome because we’ve seen how so many people are held back in life because of this and so we’d really appreciate hearing about how you overcame Imposter Syndrome.
Oh my goodness, I still struggle with this! As a florist in central Texas, I am surrounded by incredible creators who have far more experience than I do. It is extremely intimidating entering the wedding industry, even when I have five years of experience literally TEACHING floral design. The more florists and vendors who I have the opportunity to work with, the more I realize that we are all figuring this business out as we go! I am also learning that, more often than not, other florists are more than happy to share their tips and tricks in order to help you be successful.
It is one thing to design a great centerpiece or bouquet. It is another thing to create stable, complete installations. For the most part, I am knowledgeable of how most freestanding or hanging installations should be constructed; however, there are a number of variables that can impact the efficiency and success of a build day-of. There have been a few events where I have struggled falling asleep the night before, because I cannot stop running through scenarios in my head. Have I purchased all of the right hard goods? Have I purchased enough material? What could go wrong and what can I pack in order to be prepared for a failed mechanic etc.? Although I am a very confident and prepared person, I still sometimes feel anxious going into a big day! I take my work very seriously and want to produce the best work possible for the people who I have the privilege to flower for. I have always been an over packer when it comes to clothing… Now that has translated to floral design!
Imposter syndrome really kicks in when I book a large wedding where I have to hire freelancers to help design the day of. This is where I have to trust my abilities to develop appropriate recipes and prepare hard goods in order for my freelancers to also be successful. Once all of the designs are complete and I step back to admire the work that has been done, I am reminded that I CAN do this. That my team, my vision and my work are really good! Seeing my work photographed also contributes to internalizing that I am capable of continually producing beautiful work!
Thanks for sharing that. So, before we get any further into our conversation, can you tell our readers a bit about yourself and what you’re working on?
I am a High School Floral Design teacher by day and independent wedding and event florist by night! I have thoroughly enjoyed having an outlet to explore and enhance my floral design abilities over the past year. I have sent five years teaching Floral 1 and Advanced Floral students the fundamental skills to floral design with limited opportunity for creating large installations due to budget constraints. I have created and sought out those opportunities for my students, but I step back and allow my students to obtain the hands-on experience. Starting 512 Flower Company has opened the door for me to design with no restraints while learning new skills, tips and tricks along the way. Every wedding that I have flowered for thus far has brought a new idea or challenge that has yielded a stunning result! I am extremely grateful and humbled by the exposure that 512 has received over the past year. My couples have been absolutely amazing and I am regularly receiving inquiries for 2024 and 2025 weddings! So much good has happened and there is so much more to come!
If you had to pick three qualities that are most important to develop, which three would you say matter most?
First and foremost, my strong sense of self was critical in beginning this small business journey. I am confident in my abilities to design, to instill confidence in others, and to persevere and problem solve in the face of adversity. I am not afraid to try new things! I love a challenge and more so love it when the outcome exceeds my initial expectations. Starting my own business created an opportunity to provide for others while challenging myself in new ways. I am also an extrovert and genuinely enjoy interacting with new people. I have experienced unfortunate personalities in the service industry and I am devoted to being a someone who people enjoy working with! There are so many moving parts on a wedding day and being someone who can seamlessly work with all vendors makes for an enjoyable day for everyone involved.
When starting a new endeavor, being able to unapologetically ask questions and admit to yourself when you are unsure of something will be the measure of your success. You can only “fake it till you make it” for so long and not everything can be found on the internet! It can be scary reaching out to an established florist with questions, but I have had nothing but positive and willing responses from every person who I have reached out to for help.
Okay, so before we go we always love to ask if you are looking for folks to partner or collaborate with?
Absolutely! My desire to collaborate comes in two forms. First, I would love to freelance more with florists here in central Texas. I do not have a fully booked 2024 and working with other florists is honestly the coolest experience! I am still at a point now where if I were to reach out to a florist and offer help, they would have to trust my word that I have design experience. Yes, they can take a peek at my socials, but they have no reference of my speed, ability to take direction and ability to design according to the lead florist’s style. Additionally, I love collaborating with planners, vendors and even venues because they are also a liaison to potential couples. I have learned the value of having a cohesive team and admire the vendor teams who get to work with each other on a regular basis! I have worked with a few vendors multiple times and it is so special getting to create with people who you thoroughly enjoy being around and develop a friendship with!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @512flowerco
- Facebook: 512 Flower Company
Image Credits
Wild and Untamed Photography, Liza Spurlock
