Today we’d like to introduce you to Madeline Ricketts Hall.
Hi Madeline, 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 grown up in a very creative family. My grandma and my mother are interior designers and very talented artists. In high school at Byron Nelson in Trophy Club, I discovered the floral program. I can’t draw well so I thought this might be a better use of my art credit. I fell in love with the world of flowers and quickly got my certification. I spend as much time as I could in the floral room during the school day. When I graduated high school I went to the University of North Texas, originally as an education major. My sister, who is incredibly gifted artist herself told me I should pursue my love for flowers and created me a website to sell floral arrangements to make some money while I got through college. I was a commuter at UNT and lived with my wonderful parents and they let me turn their laundry room into a floral room for the time being. I would get the flowers, make the arrangements, and deliver them in my very own car every day while attending college full time. As my business picked up with the support of my community, family, and friends I changed my major to Hospitality Management so I could hone in on skills such as accounting, hospitality, tools for running a successful business, and even got a certification in event planning through this program. Eventually, I found myself doing full weddings all by myself in the laundry room at my parents’ and staying up many late nights to complete all the florals. During the snowstorm in 2021, I found myself dreaming and looking for places for lease to begin my dream of having a storefront for my flower shop. To start a local flower shop where people can come in and see us creating arrangements and pick out fresh flowers, gifts, and plants. I love chatting with people and meeting new people and I knew I wanted to not just have an online store but to have a storefront as well. I found this adorable spot for lease right next door to the Nothing Bundt Cakes store in Southlake Town Square and thought, well I might as well apply and try for my dream space. During the last semester of my college education, I applied for this space, had to present my business plan and inspiration for the store for approval, and got approved! Renovations began while I was finishing up my classes and doing all of my finals. I graduated UNT on April 30th and we opened the Trophy Blooms storefront on May 22, 2021. I was nervous that no one would come to the store, I was nervous I would fail but I was shown so much love and support and I am so thankful for the success of my business so far. It has been such a wonderful journey getting to know so many beautiful people in the community. It is also an amazing feeling to employ so many incredible people and provide them with a place where they can be creative and supported. I am so thankful for everyone who supports me in this journey and that I get to do what I love as a career at only 22 years old.
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall, and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
It has not always been a smooth road in this journey. Fear of failure is a huge obstacle to overcome when opening your own business. Many see this type of move as a dream rather than a possible reality but I knew I had to at least try. At the end of the day, can you really see yourself as a failure if you gave it your all? There have been times I have had people tell me I am too young and because of this they do not want to use my business. I have been told by people that they do not like my designs. I have been talked down to because I am a young woman. Thick skin is something that I have learned to have and it is necessary to run your own company. Be thankful for those who love and support you and move past the ones that don’t. My parents always told me it is physically impossible to please everyone no matter how bad you want to, and this is the truth. Never let people put you down!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
Trophy Blooms is a full-service floral company that does everyday florals, deliveries, special events, weddings, funerals, and most anything else you can use florals for! We are known as a floral couture store because our designs stand out as compared to traditional floral arrangements. We use new varieties of florals, dried products, amazing-looking vases, and a creative trendy design style with a personal touch. Trophy Blooms is also known for our gifts such as plantable seed cards and soapstone hearts carved in Kenya. Our products we cary in our store support fair trade which supports women-owned businesses, minority-owned businesses, and purchases that employ women in poverty-stricken areas. This is one of our big initiatives and we love to support other small and local businesses.
What has been the most important lesson you’ve learned along your journey?
One of the most important lessons I have learned is to not let fear guide you. I have struggled with severe anxiety in my life, and fear was a huge wall I had built in the way of my dreams. To let fear win is to let your dreams fade. Fear of failure and fear of judgment will try to stop you from putting yourself out there. Always try and conquer your fear. Anxiety is very real and it does not just go away but to keep going, even if you still cary your anxiety with you, is how to nurture your dreams. Anxiety tries to steal happiness but you cannot let it steal your biggest dreams.
Contact Info:
- Email: trophyblooms@gmail.com
- Website: www.trophyblooms.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/trophyblooms/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/trophybloomsflowers
- Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/trophy-blooms-southlake
Image Credits
Maddie Ray Photo
Kelsey LaNae Photography
Lizzy Spangler
