Today we’d like to introduce you to Beth Hutchinson.
Hi Beth, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I have always loved florals. My father had/has gardens and he helped me create my own flower garden as a kid. I enjoyed growing, picking, and arranging them.
Owning my own floral/gift shop was something I had thought about but never tried to pursue as a young adult. Then about 7 years ago, I was asked to help with a friend’s wedding. And me being the over-the-top person I am I did the flowers, among other things. From that one request for florals came in, then over time another and another. It was so much fun.
I did it on the side for a little extra income but more for enjoyment. In 2020, I rebranded the company and started to put myself out there. Now there are so many inquiries coming in I’m working to bring in additional designers that share my passion and integrity.
I’m sure you wouldn’t say it’s been obstacle-free, but so far would you say the journey has been a fairly smooth road?
Has it been a smooth road? Absolutely NOT. But I guess that’s what helps us grow, keeps us grounded, and makes us stronger. My business went from side hustle to a business that needed to support myself and my girls. With a combination of divorce and Covid, in 2020, I was left at a bit of a crossroads.
Do I try and find a job with a company or do I try and push the side business I enjoyed so much. It was not easy at times worrying if I was making the right choices for my kids. But I loved florals, it had grown on its own over the past several years, so all signs kept pointing to the florals. Before I knew it I had so many inquiries coming in it has been hard to keep up with at times. Something I will never complain about.
Growing a business comes with so many questions and challenges. You are responsible for every piece of that business. Even though the business didn’t move forward with the knowledge and foundation I wish it could have I have kept moving forward. I question myself on a pretty regular basis, I have amazing family members, friends, clients, vendors, and pictures I get to look to and remind myself how far I have come.
Most important to me is to keep looking forward, to grow, and to keep learning for myself but especially for my girls. A huge high five to the single parents out there!!
Appreciate you sharing that. What else should we know about what you do?
I do floral and event design for weddings and events. I also do individual orders from time to time. Styled shoots. And always open to new opportunities. I am becoming known for weddings. I feel most proud of what has been accomplished in the last 2 years.
I have done weddings in other states (Amelia Island Florida & Savannah, GA) – and cannot wait to do my first Chicago wedding this April. There was the wedding of a sweet couple featured on the New York Times website. I was so proud to see it because I had done their florals. I could not believe my eyes.
I try to be helpful, listen to what a client’s needs are, and do what I can to ease any stress. I have been told I collaborate well and I do really enjoy being a teammate with the other vendors involved.
Is there anyone you’d like to thank or give credit to?
Family/my kids – they are proud of me, have cheered me on, and have helped countless times when I need extra hands. A very special thank you to my Dad, he is always happy to lend a hand to help me build and bring my crazy visions to life.
Meagan – The right-hand gal that joined me in 2021 and will soon be leading her own events.
Friends – I have some amazing encouraging friends.
Vendor friends – The relationships I have made over the last year + have helped my business, helped me meet others but most of all they have helped my confidence grow. I love a group of people that support each other, that step in to help when needed, that lift others up. And to be able to give that back at times is equally wonderful.
My clients – I would not be where I am without all the wonderful clients I have had the absolute pleasure to work with and for.
Contact Info:
- Email: VintageFloralDesigns@gmail.com
- Website: VintageFloralDesigns.com
- Instagram: @vintage_floral_designs
- Facebook: @vintagefloraldesigns
Image Credits
Devon Adrianne Photography @devonadriannephotography, R Photography (@rphotosforall), Devon Adrianne Photography @devonadriannephotography, Kelsey Shea Photo @kelseyshea.photo, Sandra Armenteros Photography @armenteros.weddings, ST Photography @stphotogallery, stphotogallery @stphotogallery, Cafe Y Estilo Photography @cafeyestilophotography, Bella Blue Photography @bellablue_photo, and R Photography @rphotosforall.
