Today we’d like to introduce you to Robyn Bailey.
Thanks for sharing your story with us Robyn. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
My husband and I acquired Mainly Baskets in 2006 from the founder, Thomas Hayes who started the company in 1977. Charles, my husband, was Tom’s accountant for 15 years and knew the business intimately so when Tom decided to retire we knew we had a gem on our hands. The company had a great team in place so we did not have to get involved in the day to day operations as we were both in executive roles in Corporate America also here in Atlanta. Charles was and is a partner at a CPA firm and I was an executive at an international QSR company based here as well.
Then we all know what happened in 2008/2009 – the housing crash which of course drives the furniture business.
At that time, neither he nor I could step out of our roles and had to ride the ride that was to come. The good news was that we had a great team in place and our high quality designs along with our brand reputation carried us but over the years between 2010-2015 sales slowly declined and we slowly pulled out of trade shows and most advertising. The amazing part about this was we were still staying above water – that’s how incredible our product and brand is. But something had to change, which is why we decided it was time for me to step out of Corporate America and into the leadership role of Mainly Baskets.
We just needed to get ourselves back out there which is exactly what we did. After reaching out to our best clients and spending significant time with my team to understand the business, I launched Mainly Baskets into a re-image campaign that included an entire new image, new logo, new e-commerce website and new furniture designs. And most importantly, we got back into the game of trade shows. First and foremost at AmericasMart here in Atlanta in January 2017.
Today, after my first year leading the company we are double digit positive in sales and back into four trade shows a year between Atlanta and High Point. We’ve introduced more than 20 new successful furniture designs and we are significantly growing our client base. This little company of mine just needed a light shined on it and I have every intention of taking it higher than ever before.
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
Going back into our first trade show was risky and scary to say the least. When you have to plop down that kind of money without knowing if we would even be able to get enough return to pay the booth space, there were a lot of sleepless nights. But after the first day, I knew we were well on our way to a bright and successful future. I’m still sleepless right before every trade show but mostly due to the anticipation and excitement to debut our new designs and to see our awesome clients and meet so many new.
I think the biggest struggle I face, especially as a working mom, is how to maintain work-life balance. Charles and I have a blended family with a total of five children and I can promise you nothing has been easy!
So let’s switch gears a bit and go into the Mainly Baskets story. Tell us more about the business.
Mainly Baskets designs & manufactures sustainably harvested handmade furniture and baskets. We are known for our exquisite hand-woven artistry and unmatchable personal customer service. We are very proud that we use all-natural materials that are quickly renewable such as rattan, palm leaves and sea grass from the Philippines.
We offer customization with the choice of 19 different color finishes and a portfolio of Sunbrella fabrics for our cushions. When working with designers and architects on the B2B side, we can custom design pieces to fit their needs since everything is made one at a time all by hand. We have always been a wholesale company but now we are also selling retail directly to consumers through our e-commerce website and on Houzz. Retail customers can choose their color finish and fabric on our finished designs.
Most of our baskets and furniture are made with solid rattan frames that is so durable they will last for decades – literally.
I am proud of being a small business that is mighty. A small business that cares about our community and the environment. Our passion is bringing the quality and design of all that is natural into your home that will last for decades to come.
Has luck played a meaningful role in your life and business?
I believe everything happens for a reason. There have been many ups and downs in my life that all were necessary to bring me to today which I may have not understood at the time but am grateful for all the good and bad. I will share that as soon as I realized I can’t control everything in life and to trust in God, life became much more enriching and beautiful.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5353 Snapfinger Woods Dr.
- Website: www.mainlybaskets.com
- Phone: 877-702-5654
- Email: customerservice@mainlybaskets.com
- Instagram: www.instagram.com/mainlybaskets
- Facebook: www.facebook.com/mainlybaskets
- Twitter: www.twitter.com/mainlybaskets
- Other: www.pinterest.com/mainlybaskets
Image Credit:
Christina Wedge
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