Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim Wilson.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I established Lucy’s Market in 2009. I spent a number of years growing an extensive vegetable garden. After working in advertising sales for over 25 years, I was ready for a career change. When a small location unexpectedly became available, I seized the opportunity, ultimately realizing my vision to be the go-to destination for fresh produce in the heart of Buckhead.
My love for my daughter and grandmother—they share the name Lucy—inspired the name of the market. A mom of two young children, my daily routine started with a trip to the farmer’s market to handpick the freshest product from my trusted growers, after which I would return home to get the kids ready for the day. I fondly remember the kids sitting on boxes of fresh fruits and veggies on their way to school drop-off. Then I would head to the market’s outdoor location and open up shop, setting the produce out on display in the morning, selling all day, then packing up each night. Eventually, I took over the space inside the former gas station, and the business had a true home.
Lucy’s Market is now located in the heart of Buckhead, and it’s a bustling shop filled with aisles of prepared foods, flowers, gifts, and (of course!) only the best fruit and vegetables that you can find in Atlanta. And while the locations and product selections have changed over the years, we still have many loyal customers from our very first spot in 2009.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
That is a great question. The history of Lucy’s has been a challenging road. There has definitely been struggles along the way, but that’s what makes us stronger. We have learned from our mistakes. Having moved the business four times in the last ten years has been difficult but with each move, Lucy’s has continued to grow.
Please tell us about Lucy’s Market.
I really enjoy telling this story because the market has such humble beginnings and it’s a true example of what a lot of hard work and a little luck can mean to any startup business. I didn’t have a formal vision for Lucy’s Market when it started in 2009. I like to say I am an “accidental entrepreneur” as Lucy’s was started when I took over an abandoned gas station on Roswell Road. I’ve always been one to put my hands in the dirt and grow all kinds of vegetables that I love…..that along with some encouragement from my friends helped me start the business. My daily routine started with a trip to the farmer’s market to handpick the “best of the best” produce from growers. I knew I could trust. I would head to the market and set the produce out on display, meet and talk with customers all day, then pack up what did not sell and start again the next morning. Eventually, I took over the space inside the former gas station, and the business had a true home.
Move forward ten years, four business moves and currently 15 employees….. Lucy’s is now a thriving small business serving Buckhead, Midtown, Brookhaven and surrounding neighborhoods. Lucy’s is a dynamic place and our selection of products changes on a regular basis as we cater to our customers and their needs. We basically sell fresh produce, locally prepared meals, wine, flowers, gifts and many custom made gift baskets. While we maintain a very large base of products year-round, we are the “go-to” market for the various events and holidays as the seasons change. AS you might imagine, Spring is busy with Valentines Day, Easter and Passover, graduations and Mothers and Fathers Day celebration. Summer brings with it the need for Lucy’s baskets with those multiple trips to the beach, lake and mountain houses and of course Independence Day and the cornucopia of vegetables and fruits and all the amazing recipes and dishes we create from them. We really look forward to Fall with SEC and ACC football tailgating parties, Halloween and setting the table for Thanksgiving. But if there’s one season we really cherish, it is winter with Christmas and Hanukkah and the gathering of families and of course all the pageantry. Lucy’s is transformed into a winter wonderland full of breathtaking gifts, ornaments, and everything Christmas!
What are you most proud of as a company? That’s easy. Lucy’s customers are the best customers any company could ever dream of having. The fact that they continue to return to the market, week after week, day after day and bring their friends is a testimonial like no other. I cannot leave out my creative, inspired, focused and kind staff. Without them, Lucy’s Market would never be what it is today.
What sets us apart from others?
I have had the opportunity to travel in the past couple of years and I always look for local markets but must admit I have not been in a market like Lucy’s and based on what I hear from may customers, they haven’t found anything similar in their travels. We have been approached on many occasions to franchise Lucy’s but we have been hesitant to do so. But my motto is “Never say never”. We always want to be consistent with our brand and products. We are always looking for quality and freshness.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
That’s a tough question. I would have to say I would not have changed a thing. While the last ten years we have experienced some very tough times we have also had some amazing, wonderful times. Without making mistakes and learning from them, I would never be able to continue to grow as a company. I am passionate, strong and expect excellence from those I surround myself with. I want customers to always have a great experience when they walk into Lucy’s.
Contact Info:
- Address: 56 E Andrews Drive NW
Atlanta, GA 30305 - Website: https://lucysmarket.com
- Phone: 404-869-9222
- Email: baskets@lucysmarket.com
- Instagram: lucys_market
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lucysmarket/
Image Credit:
Lucy’s Market
Getting in touch: VoyageATL is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
