Today we’d like to introduce you to Amber Tippett.
Hi Amber, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
I’ve always been a nature, plants, and art girl. My parents even nicknamed me “Dirtbag” because when they tried putting me in a dress, I’d get it dirty immediately, preferring to dig in my grandma’s garden than look pretty. Ironically, I ended up making my home in Long Beach, home of the Dirtbags baseball team! When time for college came around, I stuck with my passion and chose to major in Environmental Studies at UC Santa Cruz, with an emphasis in Sustainable Agriculture. Early career jobs included managing an organic farm and garden supply store, doing small farm and garden consultations and workshops, and school garden education. When my husband and I decided to start a family, we chose Foster Care, which led to adopting our four children. Anyone who has done Foster Care knows that it is intense and time consuming. Our kids have a lot of extra needs, and I needed to find a way to make income that allowed me to be flexible enough to be available to them. So, I decided to start a business so that I could be in charge of my own schedule. I considered the things that I loved throughout my life: nature, plants, and art. That led down the path of learning landscape design and now I’m busy creating outdoor spaces that people love to be in!
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Haha, did I mention my family situation? Everyone has “situations” outside of their income source that creep into their work. It’s been a balancing act, and sometimes I’ve fallen off the high wire! I chose my business name, Sidewalk Poppies, as an homage to one of my favorite sights to see: plants growing up through the cracks of concrete and having the audacity to actually bloom! I’m inspired by people, like my kids, who have been through difficult, dark, hard situations and yet find a way through. There’s so much hope in that image. Another challenge for me has been how to value my skills and talent in a monetary way. As a “creative”, and as a female, I have a tendency to dismiss my worth and have undercharged for my services. Undervaluing myself created a cycle of low confidence and resentment. I’m grateful that, through my business, I’ve had the opportunity to challenge my thinking and programming and to practice courageous risk taking.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I’m a residential landscape designer, a certified Watershed Wise Landscape Professional, and a soon to be certified California Native Plant Landscaper. I’ve decided to pursue the C-27 Landscape Contractors license as well, so that I can be more involved in the actual and proper construction of my designs. I’d say that’s one thing that differentiates me; I have the mind of both a highly creative person, and of a very pragmatic person. I know how to create designs that are not only beautiful, but also practical AND that are what’s best for our environment. I’m also OBSESSED with delighting my clients! To me it’s not enough to deliver a “nice” yard. I want my clients to say ‘wow” every time they step outside, to feel a deeper sense of connection to the environment, and to feel joy, hope, and peace in their own outdoor space.
What matters most to you?
It matters to me most that my clients feel seen and heard. My goal is to create landscapes that align with who my clients are and what they need in order to thrive in their one precious life. There is so much anxiety and so much dehumanizing going on in our society; I strive to be a humanizing and non-anxious presence, creating beauty and connection between people and with nature. It matters because people matter and nature matters.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.sidewalkpoppies.com
- Instagram: sidewalk_poppies
- Facebook: sidewalk_poppies
Image Credits
Carol Wehling
