Mums and More: A Blooming Business Rooted in Creativity and Community

Nestled in the heart of Coppell, Texas, a small business is blossoming into something truly special. Mums & More, owned by the wonderfully creative Nicole Tidwell, is a seasonal venture that’s taken the local homecoming scene by storm. What began as a heartfelt project for her son has grown into a thriving enterprise, fueled by passion, family teamwork, and a genuine desire to bring joy to her community. I recently had the pleasure of chatting with Nicole about her journey, and her story is as inspiring as the vibrant mums she crafts.

 

From a Single Mum to a Flourishing Business

Nicole’s adventure with Mums and More started just three years ago when her son, a freshman at Coppell High School, asked her to make a homecoming mum for his date. As a self-described creative soul—someone who paints, sews, and has handmade every curtain in her home—Nicole jumped at the chance. “I’m in my early fifties now, but I still remember the mums my dates bought me in high school,” she shared with a nostalgic chuckle. “Back then, they were simple—just a chrysanthemum with school colors and maybe a ribbon for drill team or football and a bunch of (literal) bells and whistles. Today, they’re a whole different beast!”

Intrigued by the modern evolution of homecoming mums, Nicole decided to take matters into her own hands. Shocked by the high prices she found online, she turned to Facebook Marketplace, snagged a secondhand mum, and deconstructed it to unlock its secrets. From there, she crafted her son’s mum—and word spread fast. “I told him to let his friends know I could help with theirs,” she said. “Next thing I knew, I had people reaching out, and it just snowballed!”

What started as a favor quickly turned into a small business. By her second year, Nicole had 40 orders without any formal marketing—just pure word of mouth, thanks to her entrepreneurial son. “He’s my sales guy,” she laughed. “He’s always figuring out how to make money—he even suggested I turn this into something bigger!” Now, in her third year, Mums & More is poised for its biggest season yet, with plans for a pop-up storefront and a team of five, including her husband, kids, and a close friend, Cindy.

 

A Family Affair with a Personal Touch

One of the things that sets Mums & More apart is how it’s truly a family effort. Nicole’s husband handles logistics and is on the hunt for that perfect storefront (a former dry cleaner just down the road might be the spot!). Even her 19-year-old daughter, adopted just before her 17th birthday, pitches in with her own creative flair.

Her daughter claims she never made anything creative growing up and that she doesn’t have a creative bone in her body, excels at intricate details like glitter placement and adding “Homecoming” stickers and rhinestones, while her son brings in customers left and right. “He’s the varsity kicker and a bit of a local celebrity,” Nicole said proudly. “If he tells someone to come to me, they do!”.

But it’s Nicole’s personal touch that keeps clients coming back. Unlike some mum makers who rely solely on online forms, Nicole offers one-on-one consultations. “I’ve got a library of trinkets and ribbons,” she explained. “If a dad’s buying for his daughter and has no clue what to pick, I’ll sit down with him and figure it out together.” She’s had teenagers pile into her home, picking out ribbons, trinkets and fonts, and even a flustered mom who showed up unsure of what a mum even was. “She ended up buying my example piece right off the table!” Nicole recalled with a grin.

 

Crafting Memories, One Mum at a Time

For Nicole, Mums &More is about more than just profit—it’s about creating lasting memories. “These mums are keepsakes,” she said. “Girls display them at their graduation.  Athletes like my son, who’s in football, just go along with what their date wants. His cheerleader girlfriend was much more excited about the idea of having a big mum last year than Jayden was about wearing a football themed garter. Nicole’s own senior-year mum still sits in a chest at home, a testament to the sentimental value she aims to deliver.

Take the time she made a ‘Hello Kitty’ mum for a freshman hesitant to ask for something “babyish.” Nicole told her to get whatever made her happy, worked within the mom’s budget, and the girl cried tears of joy when she saw it. Or the diver and wrestler duo who wanted custom bears—one in a glittery swimsuit, the other in a singlet. “It took me forever to figure out that bathing suit,” Nicole admitted, laughing. “But seeing how happy it made them made it all worth it.”

 

Big Plans for a Bright Future

This year, Nicole’s setting her sights high with a goal of making 100 mums, which she believes is doable with her growing team and early prep. She’s kicking off in May, building bases and braids ahead of the August-October rush. “Last year, I did 58 mums and garters,” she said. “With my friend learning the ropes and a possible storefront, we’re ready to take it to the next level.”

Nicole’s also dipping her toes into digital marketing—think Instagram, X, and an Etsy shop where her pink-and-gold mum flew off the virtual shelf. And she’s eyeing a booth at The Painted Tree, a local vendor market, to showcase her work. “I haven’t had to advertise much yet,” she noted, “but my son’s pushing me to expand into Southlake. He’s got the connections—I just need the orders to make it worth it!”

 

A Creative Outlet That Gives Back

Beyond the business, Nicole’s heart shines through in her community spirit. She’s donated mums to Coppell High School’s special needs class, ensuring every student can join in the tradition if they want to. Speaking of the special needs class she said, “If someone can’t afford one, I’ll make it happen,” she said warmly. It’s this blend of creativity and kindness that makes Mums & More so special.

 

Why Choose Mums & More?

If you’re in the Coppell area (or willing to make the drive like one loyal Fort Worth customer!), Nicole Tidwell and Mums & More are your go-to for homecoming magic. Her prices are unbeatable—think $250-$350 for a stunning mum that others might charge $550-$850 for—and her hands-on approach ensures you get exactly what you want. Whether you’re a parent, a student, or just someone who loves a good tradition, Nicole’s infectious enthusiasm and talent will leave you smiling.

“I started this as a creative outlet after long days in emergency medicine accreditation,” she reflected. “Now, it’s about the joy it brings—both to me and my customers.” So, as football season nears, keep an eye out for Mums & More. Nicole’s ready to make your homecoming unforgettable—one ribbon, one braid, one happy memory at a time.

Interested in a custom mum? Reach out to Nicole via her Facebook page or stay tuned for her pop-up shop this summer. Trust me, you’ll want to be part of this blooming success story!

Email: nicolemtidwell@yahoo.com

Phone: +1 214-616-4291