08/14/2025
Hi there!
I’m Kelli, and for 6 yrs I’ve been the proud owner of The Hip Tulip. If ever I took a leap of faith in life, opening the shop was it! I just moved to VA, didn’t know anyone & never owned a retail business. I weathered the storm of simply being new, then 7 months in…Covid! I learned quickly: owning a small business isn’t for the faint of heart! A year later my sweet friend, Danielle, from Lexie & Lee, moved in to share the space. We did it to survive Covid, but it’s been such a blessing.
Soon, The Hip Tulip found its fun, beautiful niche: wildflowers! 😁 I’ve had some truly talented ladies work here, and I’ve loved seeing their skills bloom like the flowers they were arranging! With the shop being my second home, it was important to make it a happy, safe, and healthy space with good people.
Unfortunately, I’ve had substantial health issues. Last December a large tumor was found: ovarian cancer. I tried to arrange my chemo and surgery around Valentine’s Day—our Super Bowl—but the doctor talked me out of that nonsense. In helping prepare, I overdid it and landed myself firmly on the couch. Life as I knew it came to a screeching halt! I had to leave the shop in the very caring and capable hands of Candice, Carolyn & Nicole. I’ve been truly humbled by their dedication and love of the shop. Words can’t begin to express how grateful I am to have them in my life.
Over the last 7 months, chemo took over. My energy, strength and appetite were depleted. My fatigue and overall exhaustion were insane. Chemo annihilated my body and I couldn’t do anything but let it. But then, in July, my scans came back: NO cancer! 🎉 Life has changed though, and it’s going to take time to get back to normal. Sadly, I don’t have it in me to pull off a sold-out wedding season. If I keep pushing myself, I’ll end up worse. After giving The Hip Tulip everything I’ve got, I’ve come to the heart wrenching decision, to close. It hurts my heart and soul, but more than anything, I need to heal.
LEXIE & LEE WILL REMAIN, and exciting things are coming!
The Hip Tulip will close August 30.
Thank you for being our customers; it’s been such an honor!
Kind regards,
Kelli :)
