Today we’d like to introduce you to Heidi Tarrillion
Hi Heidi, thanks for sharing your story with us. To start, maybe you can tell our readers some of your backstory.
For as long as I can remember, I knew my destiny to create and eventually become a business owner were on the horizon. I gravitated to decorating and making pretty things from vintage inspired purses, decor, clothing, and embellishing all things with ribbon and lace including our family cat! Although my education and career of choice were not in-line with my dream to create, I knew the road would lead me to where I belong.
Between my grandmother’s love for decorating and making all things beautiful and my father’s talent and ambition, I was inspired at a young age to pursue my creativity.
I intently observed my father as he invested long hours building our family business from our tiny duplex home. I wanted to be just like him. My father was an artist who could make anything from detailed pen and ink sketches, leather bags, jewelry, and was also musically inclined. All of this was an aside to our family business that eventually became a nationwide success. With this in mind, I saw how my father was able to establish his career while embracing his creativity.
I moved out on my own at age 19 surviving on a tight income in the retail industry. Soon after, I was offered a general office position at a law firm. While working in an office setting seemed daunting at the time, it was a was a blessing. I was born and raised in Los Angeles, California, and the cost of living was high! Little did I know that this was the beginning of my legal career where I gained a wealth of knowledge and experience and eventually worked as a paralegal. I also became involved with legal organizations in our San Antonio, Texas community where I moved on my own at age 24. Years later, I met my future husband at a law firm. We recently celebrated our 22nd wedding anniversary and have two amazing sons who are excelling in school. I am also proud to say that both earned their Eagle rank in Scouting. My husband and boys have supported me each step of the way in all I do.
After retiring from the legal field to raise our sons, I became active an active volunteer at the boys’ school, church and scouting unit. Each of these experiences prepared me for where I am now. I gained confidence, made invaluable connections with many who are close friends to this day who also support my current journey. I especially enjoyed planning and decorating for school and scouting events. I was able to volunteer and make an impact while embracing my creative side. I also participated in an unforgettable high adventure excursion with scouting that taught me how to prepare and cope with the unexpected. This is a key element as business owner of any sort.
In 2021, I launched The Ditzy Gypsy, LLC. with a vision to create vintage decor and beaded boho inspired jewelry. My business plan quickly evolved into requests for custom wreaths, garlands, and centerpieces. Wreaths and things were not my original plan and I was unfamiliar with the process so I learned on the fly with in-person and online instruction and a lot of trial and error! Little did I know that I would eventually organize and teach wreath classes. I’m still a work in progress as I continue to experiment with different materials and new techniques as well as how to promote my business.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I have experienced a few bumps in the road, but overall, things have gone smooth and I am grateful at the quick growth. I market myself on social media which has been a large factor in getting me out there as well as customer referrals. As I enter year four of my business, I am blessed with many return customers and their referrals.
My largest challenge was learning how to navigate setting up a website. Technology is not my strength so I have invested many hours learning the process. I am happy to report that my website was up and running a short time following the launch of my business. This aspect will always be a work in progress.
Learning about shipping, boxes and how to properly prepare a wreath safely for shipping was my next challenge, and years later, I am finally comfortable shipping wreaths!
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
My business focuses on seasonal and special occasion wreaths, garlands and centerpieces. I have also had the pleasure of creating items for corporate offices and special events and have been featured on local morning television shows demonstrating wreath making and various DIY projects.
I offer a wide-range of seasonal and themed items, I am blessed to be busy year-around. Christmas really keeps me hopping, as well as spring and fiesta that seem to be my busiest times of year. Fiesta is an annual celebratory event unique to San Antonio, Texas.
I also offer wreath classes that I host as well as for private parties.
While I maintain a website featuring already made items available for purchase, I also provide made to order options with images of items I have previously made and sold. I follow up after I receive each order and gather details for specific requests and provide a completion date. However, a majority of my customers contact me directly with their custom design vision. I provide suggestions and alternatives, if need be, and communicate updates from start to finish. Presentation, delivery, and a personal touch are important to me. I value each and every customer. All items include a hand-written thank you note. I either personally deliver or provide pick-up and shipping options for all items. Game day wreaths are especially popular and I ship all over the US year round.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
My husband is a patient man as well as my kiddos! They have stood by me as I have learned to navigate my way in all aspects. They have seen the best and worst of me as I continue to grow and learn. So much goes into running a business, and this is especially the case when your home is ground zero. Space wise, I have taken over the garage and a room upstairs. I am currently looking into a storage unit as I continue to expand.
Gathering supplies in-person is important to me and along the way, I have made invaluable friends and connections with my go-to suppliers. They know me by name and go above and beyond as well as personally assist me as I shop. I also took a few wreath classes where I learned much more than technique. I learned how to select the materials for each project and about setting prices for my work.
Pricing:
- My work is priced based upon complexity and materials. The cost of supplies really adds up fast. Most wreaths start at $65 then vary. Sizing and design are a large factor.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://ditzygypsy.com
- Instagram: https://m.instagram.com/craftyandcarefree
- Facebook: https://m.facebook.com/craftyandcarefree
