

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lisa Turner.
Lisa, please share your story with us. How did you get to where you are today?
I have had many a varied career… I grew up in the retail clothing business, my parents had stores. I did that for a while and eventually worked for a small group of Department stores in Charleston SC. After that, I moved to Decatur to attend Agnes Scott College.
After I married and had my first child (1 0f 5) I started a catering company and that lead to owning two restaurants in Decatur GA. Then I became interested in flipping small houses which lead to owning a construction company that did major renovations and designed additions, I specialized in historic properties. After 17 years I was looking for something new and more creative’ and someone to partner with since I had been in business on my own for so long.
A friend of mine, Wallace Bryan who is now my business partner, had been working in interior design on her own for years was ready for a change too. We talked of opening a small home furnishing store. We both loved Decatur and thought it would be a great location. We opened our store, in 2012 and are in our second location. We moved 2 years ago to a larger space across the street from our first store.
I love helping people put together their homes. I use different aspects of each of my careers in what I do now.
Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
I think having restaurants is very stressful. One deals with a lot of employees and due to the nature of the business, they are not always “career” oriented. I think catering is the most stressful thing I have done. Building houses is easier!
The downturn of the economy was very impactful when I was in construction. I was lucky in that I was working on a very large complicated job with a well funded client that carried me through the worst years!
Please tell us about Trinity Mercantile & Design.
My business is a comprehensive home furnishing store which also sells original art and gifts.
We sell home furnishings but most of our sales come through our design services.
I work as a designer but having your own business means you do a bit of everything from advertising to watering plants!
Initially I imagined sitting around a store waiting for people to come in and buy furniture. What became apparent was how much help and guidance people need with their homes and the furniture choices they make. Our design side of the business ramped up quickly. As we help people in the store by asking them about their needs, they realize that we are there to help.
I think what sets us apart is our easy going manner when helping people. We have a very approachable attitude towards design. It helps people feel comfortable using us for design services.
We are known for introducing color in people’s homes. Especially in a world of beige furniture stores!
I am proud of the number of people that refer us to others because of how happy they are with their homes or offices.
If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
With my current business, really no changes, it worked out well!
Contact Info:
- Address: Trinity Mercantile & Design
116 East Trinity Place,
Decatur, Georgia 30030 - Website: trinity-decatur.com
- Phone: 4043780197
- Email: lisa@131trinity.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/trinitydecatur
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/TrinityMercantileandDesign
- Yelp: www.yelp.com/biz/trinity-mercantile-and-design-decatur
- Other: www.houzz.com/pro/131trinity/trinity-mercantile-and-design
Image Credit:
Lisa Turner
Elliott Liss
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Peggy Freeman
September 7, 2017 at 11:31 pm
Lisa…
What an impressive & fabulous article & I
am very proud of all your various
creative endeavors
You are so talented in many arenas
& I wish you continued success.
Congratulations!
Peggy Freeman