From Hobby to Thriving Business: The Story of Porch Pumpkins

When my youngest arrived, I found myself enchanted by the charm of pumpkins.

Having drawn inspiration for years from the stunning autumn arrangements at the Dallas Arboretum, I decided to experiment with pumpkin displays at home. This new venture proved not only to be engaging for me and my son, but also a creative outlet that kept us occupied.

In a short time, I honed my skills and received a Best Yard accolade in 2013. Friends soon began requesting my artistic services for their porches, sparking the thought that people might shell out for ornate pumpkin arrangements just as they do for holiday lighting.

Transitioning an Idea Into a Business

This concept lingered in my mind during my busy years as a stay-at-home mom. But it was not until the COVID-19 lockdowns, with everyone confined at home, that it seemed an opportune moment to launch a small business, utilizing my talents while making some income. My vision was to bring the pumpkin patch directly to people's doors!

With my past experience in the restaurant sector, I knew I wanted to avoid custom, one-off displays. Instead, I opted for simplicity by developing four distinct décor packages at various price tiers for clients.

Building Blocks of Success

Our most sought-after offering is a compact setup for $325, featuring around 30 assorted pumpkins. For hardcore pumpkin enthusiasts, we provide a deluxe package at $1,350, comprising a pair of hefty 50-pound pumpkins, straw bales, and numerous decorative extras. We handle both the delivery and the removal of these displays. Customers can opt to arrange the displays themselves, or let us do it for them.

We're marking five years of business, and it's astonishing how rapidly the venture has expanded.

Expanding the Team and Setting New Milestones

What began as a delivery endeavor managed solely by my husband and me soon required help. I began recruiting fellow moms I knew, employing them as part-time display artists and delivery personnel. In our inaugural year, three hires helped us complete over 250 installations.

Today, the team exceeds 20 individuals, and we completely sold out in 2024. My target was 1,000 decorated porches, but we surpassed it, achieving 1,052.

Balancing Business Growth with Family Life

August through December keeps us busy, leaving the rest of the year free for family commitments—like volunteering at my children's school and cooking dinners.

Interest in our business model has grown significantly, with frequent inquiries from other entrepreneurs. To share my expertise, I began coaching sessions in March, teaching aspiring business owners the ropes of starting seasonal pumpkin ventures.

Sharing Knowledge and Expanding Through Franchising

I charge $4,500 for two one-hour lessons that encapsulate everything from sourcing pumpkins to crafting intricate displays. In just a few months, I've guided 12 entrepreneurs—primarily women—toward launching their own pumpkin decorating companies across the nation.

Anticipating a need for safeguarding our unique brand, we wisely trademarked our name and logo, allowing other emerging businesses to differentiate themselves. Additionally, we're taking strides into franchising, which will soon see Porch Pumpkins operating in numerous locations across the country.

This venture has been a delightful boon for my family, and I am thrilled to see where growth will lead us.