You’ve probably noticed things have been a little quieter than usual here on the blog, and this exciting news I have to share with you today is part of the reason why. I just opened up a shop locally where you can find all kinds of decorating and home items that I love and use in our farmhouse! It feels SO good to finally share this with you!!
Before I get to all the store details, let me back up a bit and explain the how, when and why. I’ve tossed the idea of opening up some kind of store around for a long time, whether it be an online shop, traveling and selling at markets and shows, or renting a booth at an existing location somewhere. My main focus has always been on blogging, and I absolutely love sharing the things I create for my home with you all on Love Grows Wild. It means the world to me when I get an email or comment about how someone tried one of my projects or got inspired by my photos or learned how to use a new tool because of my tutorial. Knowing that I may have helped or inspired someone to create a space they love… their dream home… THAT is what makes my heart happy.
But over the years I’ve received SO many questions about where I purchase the items in my home or a comment that someone wishes they could just buy the projects I share already finished because they’re short on time or space or for whatever reason. I’ve always hoped to be able to offer more than just online inspiration to my readers, and the idea of opening up a shop started entering my mind more and more. And if I’m being completely open and honest, I also have another motive in this new venture. I’m continually changing and updating things in my home, partly because I love decorating and always get inspired with new ideas and partly because I want to keep fresh, new content on the blog for you guys. So when new things come into the house, the old must go somewhere… okay, I’ll just say it. The decor hoarding was getting a little out of control! I have an entire large walk-in closet in my office that was overflowing with things I love but don’t use much anymore, and in order to keep the chaos and clutter down in my house, I have to sell them so I don’t end up on an episode of Hoarders: Decorator’s Edition.
Earlier this year I got up the courage to reach out to the owner of my favorite local antique store and see if they had any booth openings. I sent over pictures of my home and work on the blog and confessed that I had never done this before but was very eager to make it a success. The owner replied that he would possibly have an opening in a few weeks and he would get back in touch with me then. Weeks went by. Then a few months went by. I think part of me was too nervous and self conscious to reach back out and go after what I wanted, and the other part of me decided if this was meant to be, it would work out when the time was right.
Not long after that, I got the call I had been waiting for. I was asked to come in and look at several booths, and I fell in love with a nice, big space that I knew I could put my own spin on to make it feel completely “Liz”. I signed some paperwork and panicked slightly at the thought of having to fill a booth with items in less than one month. Mind you, during this month I had all four wisdom teeth pulled and then had to put down my 12 year old cocker spaniel… it was not the easiest of summers. But I pushed through and started collecting and refinishing furniture and making projects and hunting down barn sales. And in the beginning of July, I officially moved in!
For those of you who are in the midwest (or traveling through!), the gorgeous antique store my shop is located in is called The Original Treasure Mart in Kokomo, Indiana on Vaile Avenue.
This historic building I believe used to be a diamond plate glass factory and now features three floors of antique shopping. I’m located on the second floor! For years I’ve gone into this store, especially as I was writing my book, to not only purchase things for the farmhouse but also just to get inspired. The old wood floors creak as you walk, and the exposed chunky wood beams are stunning. The atmosphere just feels good walking through the aisles and combing through all the treasures.
When I first looked at this space, the previous tenant had all their items set up, but I was still able to envision what I wanted to change and update. I already had in my head that I wanted to create a planked feature wall similar to the look in my master bedroom. Lucky for me, the booth I chose already had gorgeous rustic wood planks on the wall and a set of antique doors hung in the center. Score! But the planks were painted red, blue, green, brown and gray, and I’m sure it doesn’t surprise any of you that the first question I asked was if I would be able to paint them white. I think he could see the vision I was going for and happily let me make the changes I wanted. So I grabbed a tall ladder and some white paint and got to work!
I made a special Love Grows Wild sign to hang above the doors because I wanted customers to really get a sense of who I am and what I’m about. If any of my blog readers stopped in, I wanted them to know instantly which booth was mine.
I wanted to make sure my shop had a personal touch, much like my home, so I left a little dish of business cards out so people could visit my blog and follow along on social media as well. And yes, my book is for sale here too!
I’ll be honest, opening this shop has been such a joy and also a challenge personally. Probably like most people, I like to stay where I’m safe and comfortable, but I knew I had to push myself out of my comfort zone if I wanted to grow my business and also as a person. As a newly divorced and single mom, I’ve struggled finding ways to transport big pieces of furniture back and forth. I’m rather independent and don’t like having to ask for help, so this has been a growing exercise as well. And the perfectionist in me wanted to have everything absolutely perfect and beautiful and the way I envisioned in my head before I officially opened up for business. But in reality, I know that things like this take time. I’m bringing in new items every day and learning what works and what doesn’t. I love going in each morning and seeing what sold and what I should bring in more of. I love rearranging things and making everything pretty. It definitely fills my creative cup. But one thing that surprised me that I didn’t realize I would love so much… I love getting to meet and talk to people. For the last five years, I’ve sat behind a computer only communicating with people through emails and social media. But getting to talk to people about their homes and decor, playing with cute babies in strollers while mom shops, and just being able to smile and connect with people is one of the best parts of my day.
I had planned on taking pictures and sharing this big news weeks ago, but I kept waiting to have everything picture perfect first… hello again, perfectionism. But things are constantly being sold (which is a good thing!) and changing, and I know so many of you who follow me on Instagram and have been seeing shop updates have been patiently waiting for the full scoop. So the other day I ran in about 10 minutes before closing time and snapped these pictures to give you an idea of what my shop has to offer right now and also to document the beginning of my little shop so I can see how far I’ve come in the future!
At the shop you’ll find antique pieces of furniture, handmade signs, vases, planters, artwork, candle holders, faux topiaries, pillows and so much more. And soon I will be bringing in more faux florals, some amazing farmhouse pillows, gorgeous candles, soaps and a few surprises! You may recognize several projects that I created while writing my book, which is a little sentimental to let go of. But I know they will find good homes! I also brought in the ladder shelving unit I made a few years ago to display potted plants in our breezeway. It makes a great shelving display at the shop!
I wish I could open up shops close to where all of you live, but for now if you live or are passing through Indiana, I’d love for you to stop in The Original Treasure Mart at 1201 East Vaile Avenue in Kokomo, Indiana! We are open 7 days a week, and I promise you won’t be disappointed by what this gorgeous building has to offer. Thank you so much for supporting me with each new adventure I embark on, sweet friends!
Congratulations on your new shop! I rented a space in an antique mall years ago and it was so much fun. No surprise, my favorite part was rearranging and decorating my space.
It looks great! I especially love the Love Grows Wild sign. I wish you much success and joy in this new venture! Joanna from Ca.
Congratulations on your shop! I was in Menard’s in Mchenry, IL last night and found your book. I wanted to buy it but have to wait. We just moved into our house a month ago and I am still unpacking boxes. I won’t allow myself to buy anything new until I make a home for all of my stuff (or donate what I don’t want). Our house is on a channel that leads to some larger lakes so I can’t decide if I want to decorate in coastal décor or farmhouse or Farmhouse Coastal?! There are a bunch of sweet farms around my area so I may have to get a copy of your book and a couple coastal books and combine the looks. I am not surprised to hear that you’re selling things quickly. Your booth looks so charming. I can’t wait to see what you do for Christmas!
Good luck on your new endeavor!
I love your booth! Good luck on your new adventure!
Wish I lived closer.
The shop looks beautiful. You have such a nice touch in making things so warm and welcoming.
Liz, Congratulations on the opening of your store. Ever since I stumbled upon your blog, I have loved everything about your Farmhouse Style. I’m always excited to see when you have a new blog post up. I’ve even bought your book and have been through it multiple times. I haven’t gotten up the nerve to try any of your projects, but hopefully I’ll tackle one soon. I always wondered where in Indiana you lived since I also live in Indiana (Pendleton). Now that I know your store is open and located in Kokomo, I’m just gonna have to stop in and look at all your lovelys. I’m so excited for this new venture of yours and will continue to follow along as it grows through the years.
Congratulations Liz! What an exciting new adventure!
So very happy for you. Your space is beautiful and you look so happy. I wish you the very best – it’s not an easy job but it’s so fulfilling. All the best.
Absolutely beautiful! I live in Texas so it’s a bit doubtful I’ll ever make it to Indiana, BUT if I do I will surely put your shop on my places to visit. Congratulations and many prayers for success!
You should be very proud!
I absolutely love your space, Liz!!! It is a perfect spot to showcase items you have ~ or would ~ use in your home. We can clearly see your style on every piece! Wish I could see it in person, but we’re in Texas … with no plan to get up your way anytime soon … But congrats, and best of luck in the future!
Congratulations! May you be blessed with tremendous success!
P.S. Is the tin-looking wall on the right side actual tin, or painted to appear so?
It’s actual tin! It was already installed from a previous tenant, and I loved the look of it. So I definitely lucked out there!
So happy for you! Congratulations on your new business venture. Someday when I am on my way to Frankfort, I will pop in to see your new lovely space! Hope to run into you! -Ruth
Congratulations! I’m not anywhere close to Indiana but maybe someday I’ll get up there to see you. I hope you keep the blog around and keep posting here. One other blogger I was following opened up a shop a couple of years ago and said she’d keep blogging but then never to be heard from again. I would be so so disappointed to see your blog go by the wayside.
Awesome! If only I lived in your neck of the woods, I would shop at your shop! Good job!
Congratulations! I would love to have the whole room! So happy for you.
You have done a beautiful job and it is wonderful to see you blossom and do what makes you happy.
It looks awesome! I’m tempted to take a trip from there from California just to visit! Congrats!
How exciting Liz! It’s gorgeous!!
Amazing! Good for you, Liz! Congratulations!
I know you’ll do well!! I can envision white pumpkins!! And Christmas!! Oh how pretty it shall be. Wink!! It’s only August 4th??
BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL BEAUTIFUL ❤️
Beautiful Liz. I am also being challenged about opening up a shop with all my creations. Your blog is very timely for me to step up and step out and your photos are so inspiring- It makes me think ‘Yes, I can do this!’. In the US it looks like you have a much bigger clientele than we have in little old NZ but I know I need to get myself out there despite that. I would love to stock some of your books once my shop is up and running.
Congratulations! Your new shop is a most fitting adventure for you. Love your creativity. I wish you the best and look forward to future inspirational Love Grows Wild blogs.
Your shop looks AMAZING!!! How I wish you were closer…I think I would buy it all!!! I am so happy for you and wish you the best!!!
Wow this is my dream and now I can live vicariously thru you. It is just beautiful and perfect and great things , I want all of, of course , I am in the middle of Michigan but if I ever get near I will stop!!!! You will do great things there..
Liz,
I am so very proud of you and wish you all the success in this new adventure in your life! I wish I still lived in Indianapolis so I could easily visit your shop. I’m convinced I’ll see it someday, though. In the meantime, one of the best things I’ve ever heard is: ‘The harder you work, the luckier you get’. I project you’ll have a lot of both in your future!
All the best,
Your friend with the little red wagon who made the farmhouse table
(Shaaron)
I was just realizing today that I hadn’t seen a post from you lately and here you are. I’m a recent follower. Congratulations on your shop. May you be blessed with lots of good finds to share and sell.
Wow, great job, Liz! I hope and pray this new adventure works out for you. You never know what new doors may open for you in the future, from this little shop.
I LOVE it. I have been wanting to do something like this for years as well. Too scared to. I keep thinking maybe I could just find the perfect building and be the start of this. That building you are in and your booth space is perfect for your style. (I think maybe New Mexico is too southwestern for this style, lol).
Oh Liz! I am so happy for you:)))). You are about to find out that you have just gotten yourself your very own adult Play House. I have had my own little shop for a while now and it is sooooo much fun! Enjoy the ride!
Liz, congrats on the shop space! Wish I lived closer so I could shop at your space! Love your book, looking forward to doing a couple projects? Mainly the bench from a door I rescued from the house Invrew up in.
Good luck!
Hi Liz! Long time follower. Congratulations on your shop!! I am local – in Zionsville. 🙂
Is that white dresser still available? May need to make a trip up to see your booth!
You’re not too far away at all, Kate! And yes, it is still available as of this morning! You can always call the store and have them check on it for you if you’d like. 🙂
I am so excited for you and this new venture. I plan to come visit when I visit my brother in Indiana….I want to thank you for all the inspiring ideas you’ve shared. Several years ago I moved to another state and a much smaller home. My large darker shaker pieces didn’t fit/feel right in here. I started making changes to lighter furniture and finding your blog has made all the difference! Your ideas have inspired me…I even built the white wooden box for my dining room centerpiece and it was exactly what I pictured! (My first wood project) I LOVE it! Thank you…when I walk in or sit in my home I smile – many of the ideas springing from what you’ve shared. Keep up the great blog – I wish you great success on your store and, lastly – love your book! Thank you, Liz.
Good Luck on your new venture Liz!!! So EXCITED for you. Randi
Congratulations, Liz! Everything looks great, and I know it will continue to grow into exactly everything you want it to be. Your drive, persistence, determination, and love for all that you do is evident in every detail. Can’t wait to see what the future brings!!
Hugs!
Cheryl
Love it. I know they are happy to have you there. That is exactly the style that I love. Great job. Know you will do great there and bring in a lot of customers.
What a wonderful job you have done with your “shop”! I’ve really enjoyed looking at your pictures and I know I would love shopping there. I live in Iowa so you really aren’t that far away. We are retired so you never know where we might be heading!! Best of luck to you and keep taking pictures! I’m new to your blog so I have lots of catching up to do and I’m certainly looking forward to it!
Wishing you all the very best with your new venture!! Wish I lived closer!!!
wow wish I lived closer , great shop, great site, love everything u do, Best of Luck…
Congratulations! I know it took nerve and I admire you that much more for going for it! Your vision is lovely – love coming along for the ride!
Wow?? Congrats! This looks like a great business endeavor, that your wonderful talents will flourish in!
I wish you great success!
Its beautiful Liz, and you should sell your logo sign… it’s perfect, and would be a fun addition to any home liked old general store signs. Well done.
Hi Liz,
Congratulations on your shop opening. It looks amazing! I Love everything, too bad I’m so far away.
Congratulations! That’s wonderful!