20 Under 40: Alicia Rico
Alicia Rico – CREATIVE
Age: 36
Business: Bows & Arrows
High School: Carrolton Christian Academy
College: TCU
Community Involvement: Girlscouts of NorthEast Texas, Bradfield Elementary, Bronco Benefit Auction
As a florist, gracing the front cover of Martha Stewart Weddings is the pinnacle of success.
For Alicia Rico, a Dallas-based florist with a romantic flair for gardenesque designs, that aspiration has already been de-pinned from her vision board.
While landing that “best floral designer” cover has been a significant highlight for the Bows & Arrows co-owner, it isn’t the only one. Rico and her husband and business partner, Adam, have a growing following of more than 165,000 on Instagram, have been featured in Harper’s BAZAAR as “best florist,” and showcased their work on the tables of several Dallas events, including Texan By Nature, Fiesta de las Seis Banderas, and the Dallas Arboretum Artscape.
It all began when the couple – both native southerners; him Georgia, her Texas – left Brooklyn to make Dallas their home.
“One of the reasons I wanted to start my business in Dallas is that I felt there was a need for my aesthetic and style,” the Park Cities mother of two said about her move back to the Lone Star State to be closer to her family.
“In New York City there were tons of great florists and creatives,” she continued, and “I felt like the Dallas art scene was really growing – I felt there was a place for me.”
While at first, Rico said Dallasites weren’t ready for her designs, which she describes as garden imitating nature with a romantic, painterly twist, today she’s a trendsetter in the community.
That community, she said is what makes the Park Cities her home.
Today, Rico said she’s now replaced her vision of landing a Martha Stewart cover with finding a little more balance between her work and home life.
“I’ve been doing so many destinations, which I love to do,” Rico said about the work that sends her to some of the most beautiful wedding locations. “But, I do want to do a lot more in Dallas and get more involved with its activities.”
Spending more time giving back to Dallas charities and supporting local businesses that cater to her two Bradfield Elementary school children are at the top of the to-do list.
Whether it’s the musical theater and dancing opportunities her eldest daughter loves, such as at DAMPA, Preston Center Dance, and Park Cities Ballet, or educational tutoring at Hola HP and Mathnasium of Highland Park, Rico said she’s a fan of all the opportunities the community offers her family.
That and the fact that she can walk across the street to the Highland Park Village movie theater to catch a flick anytime.
What is the best advice you received when beginning your career? Don’t stop until you achieve your goal.
What is your business philosophy? Do what you love and are passionate about.
What inspires you? Art, music, landscapes, dance, and culture
If you could tell 16-year-old you anything, what would you say? Try everything!
What is your proudest career accomplishment? Landing the cover of Martha Stewart Weddings.
What did you learn from your best boss or mentor? My father is my business mentor, and he has always encouraged me and never looked down on me. He listens to all of my crazy ideas and never shuts me down! He is a hard worker and makes things happen!
What was your first summer job? Teaching theatre and art camp
What do you love about your community? I love the people, and how involved our community is.
Where is the best place for a business power lunch in Park Cities or Preston Hollow? The Honor Bar
What is your fondest Park Cities or Preston Hollow memory? ove walking across the street from our home to HPV movie theatre.
Where will we find you enjoying your hard-earned time off? Traveling or visiting a local art museum or enjoying a musical.
What do you want your last meal to be? An Indian feast – lamb korma, paneer masala, chicken tandoori, samosas
What is your favorite color? Peach
What fictional world or place would you like to visit? I would visit the animated worlds of Studio Ghibli.
If you could be on a reality TV show, which one would you choose? Survivor – always wanted to test my physical endurance and mental capacity in a crazy game.
What would your superpower be? Granting wishes to everyone
