By Patricia Hudson
The Southern tradition of Homecoming mums is thought to have started back in the 1930s. In no other place has this tradition grown more than in Texas, where EVERYTHING is bigger and better! From a simple artificial mum from which flowed a few strands of ribbons, the trend has grown to gigantic proportions and reflects the distinctive interests of the recipient. Let’s not forget the young men. Complimenting garters are ordered by the young ladies and bestowed on their beaus where they are worn somewhat self-consciously on the upper arm.
Creating awe-inspiring Homecoming mums is an art not lost on one Cypress Resident. Meet Stacie Guidry, owner of Twinkie Designs and the indisputable Queen of Homecoming Mums.
Stacie, prior to Twinkie Designs, what job experiences have you had?
Throughout high school and college, I worked for The Real Superstore, a grocery store. I was a cashier and then promoted to customer service. I graduated from the University of Louisiana with a Paralegal degree and did that for over 20 years.
From where does your creative nature come?
I have always been a “right brained” girl. I can remember as a young girl going to day camps and Girl Scout camps and really enjoying the crafting activities.
What were the circumstances of making your first mum?
A dear friend of mine, Kay Routh, called me up and said, “You are creative. We have some moms coming over and I want your help making a Homecoming mum.” I had NO idea what a mum was as I am from Louisiana. I did some research online before I went over and created my first mum. I found that I really enjoyed the process and seemed to have a knack for it.
What made you decide to make this your business enterprise? Where did the name Twinkie Designs come from?
When I first started my business, I made custom wreaths and t-shirts. After creating that first mum, I could not stop thinking about it. I tested the waters by making mums for friends and I was hooked; there was no going back for me. My sister Tracie came up with the name as we are twins and my mom always called us ‘Twinkies.’
How many mums and garters do you estimate you have made since starting your business?
I have been in the business for over 10 years and have done well over 2,000 mums and garters. I have been truly blessed that my business increases every year and am honored that I have many repeat clients, year after year.
For which schools have you created mums?
My main schools are in Cy-Fair, but with the completion of 99 and its convenience to Fairfield, my reach has expanded into Katy, The Woodlands, Waller, Magnolia and Tomball.
How far in advance do you begin working on them?
Right after the current season ends, usually the end of October, I take off a couple of months for the holidays. Then, around February, I start making braids, and finding and ordering my traditional supplies. During the summer months, I travel around the state gathering inspiration and more specialty items, and start creating the “heads” (crown) and “tails” (skirts) of the mum. This year, I invested in a ribbon cutting machine and it is a game changer!
What are the newest trends for mums?
Themed mums and garters are very “in” right now. I’ve done Candy Land, Star Wars, and Rubber Ducky themed ones, just to name a few. I absolutely love doing them as it really gets my creative juices flowing. Also, adding colors to mums that are not school colors for Juniors and Seniors. Rose Gold and turquoise have been very popular. These mums allow the wearer to stand out and express their personalities.
What determines the price ranges for mums and garters?
There are so many factors! The cost of everything has skyrocketed. The mum flowers have increased by at least $1, ribbon rolls have jumped by $3 a roll, boas by $2, I could go on and on. It may not sound like much, but when you use a minimum of 35 yards per mum (that does not include the yardage for the specialty braids), it adds up quickly. We also factor in how long it takes for us to create each mum or garter, including the custom cut outs and braids that go along with them. I am currently working on the largest mum I have made to date, and I have been working on it for a solid week.
What advice would you give someone attempting to make their own mum?
Watch You Tube DIY videos! There are lots that show how to make braids, how to put the mums together, what to buy, etc. By the time you buy all of the supplies, most realize that it is expensive and lots of work. Many say, “I’m never doing THAT again!”
What role, if any, have your kids and husband played in making the mums?
It is a total family enterprise! My husband Troy is my rock. We have been married for 30 years; I could not do life without him. He cooks, cleans, buys groceries and basically takes care of EVERYTHING during the 3 months of sheer insanity. He makes sure I eat a good meal. He will come in and turn off the lights in my craft room and insist I come to bed when it gets too late, and has even been known to cut ribbon when necessary. My kids, Madison, 23, and Peyton, 19, are my “go pick this up” for me because I need or have run out of something. Also, if I’m doing something super custom, they research where I can buy 10 rubber duckies or a Harry Potter wand.
When I am not creating mums, I like to…
Shop for deals, watch some tv, and I always make time for my weekly prayer group with some wonderful girlfriends; it really keeps me grounded.
