In Texas, homecoming isn’t just about football; it’s about mums. Each mum, a uniquely designed floral arrangement adorned with ribbons, trinkets, and personal touches, represents more than just a decoration—it symbolizes a rite of passage for many high schoolers.
For over 30 years, Mum Queen Liz Cleaver—affectionately known as “Mrs. C”—has been crafting these unique creations, adding her personal touch to each one.
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Cleaver’s journey into the world of homecoming mums started unexpectedly.
“My daughter was a freshman in high school, and one of her friends asked if I could make their homecoming mum. I said yes, and it kind of snowballed from there,” Cleaver recalled.
From those humble beginnings, her business grew, with more students seeking her out for custom mums each year.
A Texas-sized tradition
Mums have become a significant part of Texas high school culture, with students looking forward to wearing these intricate designs as part of their homecoming celebration.
“It’s a Texas thing, like Friday Night Lights. Some of these girls have had mums since they were little, and they grow up dreaming of their high school homecoming mum,” she explained.
For Cleaver, her work is about more than just business; it’s about creating lasting memories.
“I’ve had clients tell me they’ve followed my work since they were little. These mums are a tradition, something they cherish and keep forever.”
In addition to crafting mums, Cleaver also mentors other women in the homecoming mum business. She hosts workshops and even a special retreat where mum makers from all over come together to share ideas and techniques.
“I love helping other women in the industry. It’s great to see them grow, and we’ve created a real community of mum makers who share ideas and support each other,” she added. “It’s a community, and I love helping others grow,” Cleaver said.
READ MORE: ‘It’s a Texas thing:’ Why homecoming mums are the ultimate fall tradition
The evolution of homecoming mum customization
In the years since, Cleaver has seen trends come and go, but one thing remains constant: the deep sentiment attached to each creation.
“Homecoming mums are more than just a school tradition—they’re a personal statement,” Cleaver explained. “Each mum is customized to reflect the student’s personality and achievements. I always ask what they’re involved in, what they want, and what their vision is. From there, I bring that idea to life.”
The process of creating a mum is deeply personalized, and Cleaver takes pride in ensuring that each one is unique to the student wearing it.
“When a girl walks into my room, her vision comes to life,” she said. “If her school colors are orange and ocean blue, we create something custom just for her. It’s not just about the colors—it’s about making it special.”
Cleaver’s ability to blend traditional mum styles with modern elements has kept her work in high demand.
“One of the biggest trends I’ve seen recently is the use of acrylics to personalize mums,” she said. “From sports icons to monograms, people love adding that extra touch. It’s no longer just about ribbons and trinkets—it’s about creating a statement piece.”
For many Texans, homecoming mums are a cherished part of growing up, often becoming keepsakes long after graduation.
“It’s like their wedding dress,” Cleaver said. “I’ve had clients come back and tell me they’ve kept every mum I made for them, and they proudly display them at home. For a lot of girls, the bigger, the better—it’s a Texas thing!”
Cleaver has seen the mum demand grow over the years and is confident it’s here to stay.
“I don’t see this tradition going away,” Cleaver said. “Even during the pandemic, when so many things were taken away from kids, mums remained important. People wanted something to make them happy, and mums provided that, even if there wasn’t a traditional homecoming.”
With homecoming season in full swing, Cleaver is busy as ever, crafting mums that are bigger and more extravagant than ever before.
“I’ve had clients who’ve followed me since they were little girls, and now they’re bringing their own daughters to me. It’s amazing to see how this tradition continues to be passed down through generations.”