NOTE: Throughout the month of July, BrownwoodNews.com is publishing stories daily on 40 standout citizens under the age of 40 making a positive impact and contribution within the Brown County community.

You never know what can happen when you try something new, and Bethany Pittman is living proof. What turned out as a simple celebration of her dog’s birthday has blossomed into a business about to mark its two-year anniversary.

Pittman, 25, described her business venture, Floats and Florals, as, “a balloon decoration, décor, backdrop installer for events. We do balloon creations for events like bridal showers, birthday parties, baby showers, things like that. We also have different backdrops. I hand make balloon garlands, they’re kind of trendy right now, for any event. People mainly use them as the backdrop for their photos.”

Pittman reflected on how Floats and Florals, which is actually her second job, became a reality.

“The very first balloon garland I made was for my dog’s birthday because they were trendy, so I tried to make one and it was awful,” Pittman said with a laugh. “Slowly I would just make them for friends and family, birthday parties and stuff, then someone reached out to my mother-in-law and asked if I could make one for their baby shower, and that brought along the idea because I thought I was getting a little better at this. I thought about starting this as a side business and almost two years later in September I’m still doing balloons.”

Pittman recalled a slow start to the business, but those days are in the rear-view mirror now.

“At first there weren’t a lot of people reaching out, but slowly but surely other people, through friends and family and their friends and family, I would do different parties and events,” Pittman said. “I eventually started doing grand openings for different businesses like Fuzzy’s, I did Shaw’s Marketplace, I’ve helped with birthday parties and other small businesses opening up like Stone’s Grove and I’m about to do one for the Luna Maya baby store that’s about to open. I also did stuff for the Boo Bash.”

Pittman thanked the residents of Brown County and the surrounding area for their support, and for allowing her business to flourish.

“It’s been nice for people to see that this is popular, and I feel needed in some areas,” Pittman said. “We’re pretty busy. A few weeks ago we had eight in one week and that was hectic because I enjoy doing this, but it’s not even my full-time job. They responded really well. My fiancé helps me out with the installs. Almost every weekend, with graduation just happening and bridal season going on, they’ve responded really well. I’m really appreciative of all the support throughout the community.”

Pittman is engaged to A.J Salazar and they have a nine-month-old son named Cinco. The couple’s wedding is slated for the month of July.

“We’ve been together eight years, we welcomed our son nine months ago, and we’re getting married next month,” Pittman said. “We’ve been through it all. I asked him if I should do this and he said, ‘yeah if it happens it happens, and if it doesn’t it doesn’t.”

Pittman, a Brownwood High School graduate and former Lionette, previously spent time as a teacher at BHS and once thought she would take over the drill team once Stacee Hetzel stepped down.

“I spent three years as an assistant, and I taught for one year and that just wasn’t the right fit for me,” Pittman said of the teaching field. “That was the original plan a long time ago, to take over the drill team. Hetzel was going to pass the reins but I wasn’t happy in my position as a teacher and to do that you have to be a teacher. I also found out around that time I was pregnant.”

Pittman is pleased with the new path she has taken in life, and hopes even bigger and better things are in store for Floats and Florals.

“I would love to expand as much as I can slowly but surely,” Pittman said. “I just started with balloons, now I have backdrops and neon signs people can rent. I have different arches they can use for the decorative part of it. I expect to expand a little bit more with inventory I get that people can rent. I don’t see it slowing down any time soon, which I’m surprised about after two years.”