Today we’d like to introduce you to Meredith Davison.
Hi Meredith, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
My family and I moved to the small town of Pendergrass 17 years ago. Raising three boys as a stay-at-home mom, I always needed a creative outlet, something to call my own.
Having a passion for design and a frugal mindset, I began flipping furniture. I would scour thrift stores and yard sales for the perfect piece with our youngest son (then three years old) in tow. We would drag home furniture and get to work, later delivering our new creations to my antique booth. All of this was done while our oldest boys were at school and my husband was traveling for work.
Unfortunately, I began to have health problems and furniture flipping became too taxing. I shifted and learned machine embroidery and screen-printing skills. Originally, I focused on home decor items such as pillows and tea towels, however customers soon began requesting apparel and my focus shifted once more.
I rented booth space in local shops, but I always dreamed of owning my own shop. For years I prayed over the sweet 1920s house (where my shop is located today) when I would walk past it on my daily walks with my children. I asked God to allow me to open a shop in that house one day.
That day came – at a time I never expected! I was offered a lease in August of 2020, at the peak of the pandemic, and 1 week after our 15-year-old son had spinal fusion surgery! Isn’t that how God often works? I’ve come to learn the Lord tends to answer my prayers when I least expect it – His timing, not mine.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Lol! It has been anything BUT a smooth road! Both figuratively and literally.
In 2021, our first year of business, the hwy that leads to RM was shut down twice for construction on two separate bridges. This slowed down the traffic to our business greatly!
2022 was a year of tremendous trial and heartbreak. The year started off with me contracting COVID at the end of January. Next, my grandmother became very sick in February and was hospitalized. I was called away many times to help tend to her needs. Sadly, she passed that April. Immediately following her death, we learned my stepfather’s liver cancer had returned, spreading into his bones. This turned into multiple hospitalizations, finally hospice, and he sadly passed away at the end of September of 2022.
I have juggled the stress and heartache of all of this while managing my own health struggles. I have a degenerative autoimmune disorder (Ankylosing Spondylitis) that attacks my joints, making mobility and daily tasks painful, especially during a “flair”. Stress intensifies my pain, so it’s fair to say 2022 was an extremely painful experience!
In February of this year, I underwent surgery to repair soft tissue damage in my right hip. This proved to be yet another challenge not only physically, but also emotionally, mentally, and for my business.
If it weren’t for our loyal customers, and the support and encouragement of my team of vendors at RM, I would have thrown in the towel a long time ago! We have ALL had our individual struggles and trials, but we encourage, help, and pray for each other. I believe this is what gives us strength to push forward.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I personally specialize in embroidery and spirit wear design. I enjoy creating unique and fun apparel that allows our community to represent their school/team with pride! I work with local businesses and athletic teams to outfit their teams with embroidered and/or screen-printed apparel.
In addition to apparel personalization, we offer affordable home decor. RM is home to a variety of vendors with unique styles and inventory to suit your preferences. From boho to modern, cottage core to antique we offer a variety of décor styles and amazing locally-made candles and gift items.
We believe in creating a sense of community and belonging between women. Whether that’s in a crafting and painting class, a local vendor market, or even just listening to a customer who’s having a bad day or week. What I enjoy the most are the relationships and bonds that have formed with some amazing women within our community.
Do you have any memories from childhood that you can share with us?
My happiest childhood memories are of weekends at my grandma’s lake place in Eatonton, GA with my family. Our family had the best time swimming, boating, water skiing, and fishing.
Contact Info:
- Website: ReflectMercantile.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/reflect_mercantile?igshid=OGQ5ZDc2ODk2ZA==
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reflectmercantile?mibextid=LQQJ4d
