**Local Texas Entrepreneur Turns Love for Fall Decor into a Thriving Business**
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In Lockhart, Texas, a unique seasonal venture is blossoming as Brandi Hazelett launches her pumpkin porch decorating business, Porch In Season. What began as a simple idea inspired by a podcast has transformed into a full-fledged operation, providing stunning custom displays for autumn enthusiasts.
Hazelett, 37, conceived the idea after her husband discovered an interview with Heather Torres, the founder of Porch Pumpkins — a company renowned for creating bespoke pumpkin displays. Intrigued by this entrepreneurial spirit, the couple considered starting their own similar venture in a market they identified as underserved.
“I thought, ‘Why not me?’” Hazelett recalled about her decision to enter the business. Initially, she perceived it as a way to earn some extra money while decorating her own home for the fall season, without any prior experience in running a venture of this nature.
Now, Porch In Season is thriving, offering customers a range of decoration packages starting from £200, with the potential for custom projects to exceed £1,000. This year alone, Hazelett plans to work with around 5,000 pumpkins, which she sources directly from a farm in Floydada, Texas. This close relationship allows her to choose the perfect colours, shapes, and varieties, elevating her displays beyond the offerings typically found in local stores.
Decorating for the autumn season has always been a cherished tradition in Hazelett’s family. Starting on 1 October, she enthusiastically fills her home with seasonal decorations. However, sourcing unique and appealing pumpkins was often a struggle. By having direct access to a farm, she can provide her clients with a diverse array of pumpkins, meeting their individual preferences while elevating her displays to the next level.
Hazelett revealed, “The sky’s the limit, basically.” Her offerings range from modest packages to elaborate designs that include additional features like hay bales and hefty jumbo pumpkins. The most expensive project she has delivered thus far cost £2,000, encompassing 124 pumpkins and five hay bales that embellish two separate areas of a client’s property.
Creating a captivating display extends well beyond simply selecting pumpkins. Each pumpkin is hand-picked based on specific criteria. After being chosen, they undergo a thorough cleaning and treatment with an eco-friendly solution to prolong their life and deter pests.
The logistics of bringing these pumpkins from the farm to the front porch are also significant. Hazelett estimates that each pumpkin is handled at least five times, from loading them onto the truck to positioning them on-site. “Throw in the Texas heat, and you’re in for some truly HARD labour!” she remarked about the demands of her job.
Typically, the installation process takes two to three hours, depending on the travel distance. Hazelett’s largest project required six hours on-site, during which her daughters joined in to lend a helping hand. She takes pride in ensuring the pumpkins are arranged to perfectly complement their surroundings, delighting in making each installation unique.
After the autumn season concludes, Hazelett also provides a pumpkin removal service, which sees her collaborating with local farmers to repurpose the pumpkins as livestock feed. This eco-conscious approach ensures that none of her decorative creations go to waste.
Despite the growth of her business, Hazelett maintains a close-knit family operation. Her husband assists with larger installations, but the bulk of the work falls on Hazelett herself, who adeptly manages everything from the logistics to the creative design.
As she considers the future, Hazelett expresses enthusiasm for exploring new techniques and designs. “I’m especially excited about doing more custom designs where I can really play with different colours and varieties,” she shared. The joy she derives from constructing customized displays continues to drive her passion.
In the short time since she embarked on this journey, Hazelett’s pumpkin business has seamlessly integrated into her family’s daily life. Her children now identify potential clients during their drives, exclaiming, “Mom, that house needs pumpkins!”
Reflecting on her unanticipated venture, Hazelett said, “It’s a very strange little dream job, but I’m really grateful I took the chance on it.” With her distinctive service, Hazelett is not only allowing others to celebrate the season but is also creating a fulfilling business centred around her love for fall décor.