Today we’d like to introduce you to Tori Wilson.
Hi Tori, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
While I was in college, I interned and then worked for Target stores for about 4.5 years. I managed the store and was in charge of everything on the sales floor except the clothing for a few years. Then, I went into HR with them. When I knew I wanted a family, I moved out of retail due to the hours and started working for Nokia. I was in Corporate HR with them for 10 years. In the back of my mind I have always wanted to open my own business, just never really knew what.
When we moved to Georgia about 3.5 years ago I started getting the styling/decorating itch after decorating our new home – that’s when it all clicked. I love doing it but I can’t keep re-doing my house all the time. You also can’t get to home decor/gift store without driving 30 minutes from where we are so I thought it would be a good idea to open one in our small town.
I leased a building March 2020 – literally right when COVID happened. We officially opened our brick-and-mortar in August of that year. We grew out of that space in about 6 months and moved into a building. My goal is to bring people quality products at affordable prices. We have prices where everyone, on any budget, should be able to afford and find something they are looking for. We carry everything from seasonal decor, candles, greenery, kitchen items, gifts to jewelry & accessories and much more. We also specialize in custom gift baskets. If you need a quick gift, just let us know and we will put together a basket for you with whatever your budget is.
You can shop with us in store in downtown Hoschton or online anytime at www.wilsonhomedecor.com. We do ship throughout the US.
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way. Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
I believe every business has struggled along the way which is how we learn for the better. For me, the hardest struggle was finding out what will sell, how much to order, and when to order.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about Wilson Home Decor?
I have 3 wonderful ladies that work alongside me at the store so if you go in to shop, you will run into one of them. You may also see my Grandmother and Mother-in-Law working there at times too. 🙂 We like to have fun and keep it a positive atmosphere.
I am very proud of the brand we have all built together. I couldn’t do any of this if it weren’t for my family and staff, which is pretty much family at this point.
As mentioned earlier, we pride ourself in offering quality goods at affordable prices. We also specialize in custom gift baskets at your price point.
We do a few large events throughout the year, our Christmas Open House being our largest. The next event will be our Galentine’s Day Event in February. At some of our events, I bring in vendors so we can have a night out of shopping, fun and food. (We always have snacks and drinks for you at those events.) Also, when we have events I try to do a giveaway and all proceeds go to a local school, charity or family that is needing help at that time.
I also try to give back to our local community as much as possible. Each year we have done our version of an “Angel Tree” which is called our “Gingerbread Tree.” It’s where we sponsor local families for Christmas, people come in and grab a gingerbread off the tree which tells what the child would like/need. They then bring it back to us and we meet the parents to get the gifts to them.
What does success mean to you?
Seeing people happy and smiling when they are in my store finding something they like. That’s how I know I have done something right.
Contact Info:
- Website: www.wilsonhomedecor.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/wilsonhomedecor
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/wilsonhomedecor
Image Credits
Photos by Liz at Repurposed Photography
