Dripping Springs is overflowing with creative entrepreneurs and I LOVE meeting them! I wanted to introduce you to Elissa. She took the initiative to learn a unique skill and then followed her passion to create a business around it! Are you getting married and want a beautiful keepsake from your wedding? Read more about Elissa’s new business- Texas Pressed Flowers!
Hi Elissa, tell us about yourself…
I am a twenty-something wife, dog mom of two, and a Registered Nurse. I am originally from Shoreacres, TX located on the Texas coast outside of Houston. I graduated from the University of Mary Hardin-Baylor with a degree in Nursing and specialized in Critical Care.
After meeting my husband in Austin, we knew we wanted to plant roots in Dripping Springs after we got married. We built a house and moved in early 2022 and quickly began building a community in the neighborhood and in one of the local churches. When I am not busy running a small business, I like to go trail running in the many parks nearby, go road tripping with my husband, or bake a batch of homemade cookies.
What made you decide to start Texas Pressed Flowers?
When planning my own wedding, I was a very “DIY” bride. I made almost everything for my big day. Around the same time, bouquet preservation became very popular. So, I took a few classes from a professional floral preservationist so I could save my own wedding bouquet forever.
After the wedding, I ended up not preserving my bouquet and I sent it out of state to get done. Because I did not want this new found skill to go to waste, I began Texas Pressed Flowers to bring the art of Floral Preservation to the Central Texas Area!
What are some of your favorite flowers?
My favorite flowers to enjoy are sunflowers, tulips, and zinnias.
My favorite flowers to press are roses, zinnias, and strawflowers.
How long does the process take?
The process can take up to 3 months.
Do you only take bouquets from local weddings?
Nope! We take bouquets from all around Texas and beyond.
Where did your love of flowers come from?
I have always had a fascination with flowers since I would receive them as gifts after I would have a dance recital growing up. Even then I would keep them until they completely dried out.
Why is it important to you to preserve these individual flowers?
It is an honor to preserve flowers that hold such special memories. For weddings, brides will pay thousands on their floral arrangements and will not have any sort of momento to remind them. I create a “forever” keepsake for newly married couples to display in their home for many years to come. For memorial arrangements, it’s a way for me to serve those that are grieving by delicately creating a piece that will honor and memorialize their loved ones.
What do you love about creating a business in Dripping Springs?
Dripping Springs is the “wedding capital” of Texas. I can’t think of a more perfect town to provide my services to. It has been amazing to connect with other vendors in the wedding industry in our town. Dripping Springs is also full of many small family owned businesses that have been here for many years, and it’s an honor to serve alongside them.
Where did you get married here?
If you were to plan the perfect Dripping Springs getaway for a bachelorette party before the wedding- what would your local itinerary be?
Friday – Stay at the Lucky Arrow Retreat and have a catered dinner and wine tasting. End the night by hanging out by the fire and hot tub.
Saturday – Wake up and go hiking at Pedernales Falls State Park. Then tour the many wineries/distilleries/breweries in the area. Specifically, Desert Door, Treaty Oak, and Hawks Shadow Winery. End the night with dinner at Tillie’s at Camp Lucy.
Sunday – Brunch at Le Muse, then walk down Mercer Street to go shopping to finish off the weekend.
What’s your favorite place to go and be in nature or see some flowers?
Big Bend National Park in the fall! There’s nothing like it and the wildflowers in the arid climate are beautiful.
Do you only preserve wedding flowers?
Nope! We preserve all flowers from any special event.
How can we find you on social media?
Instagram/Facebook/TikTok: @TexasPressedFlowers
I’m always looking for unique businesses to feature on my blog! Do you know of a local, Dripping Springs business that would be a fun feature? Just reach out to me and share their name and info and I’ll reach out!
Thinking about moving to this beautiful area? I’d love to help you buy or sell your home! I’m a local Dripping Springs Realtor and love connecting and helping people. 512-569-8480 and laurenclark@magnoliarealty.com
