Jacqueline Williams shared their story and experiences with us recently and you can find our conversation below.
Jacqueline, really appreciate you sharing your stories and insights with us. The world would have so much more understanding and empathy if we all were a bit more open about our stories and how they have helped shaped our journey and worldview. Let’s jump in with a fun one: What makes you lose track of time—and find yourself again?
Creative pursuits. I love any sort of creative challenge, whether it’s learning a new recipe, taking on new technology to help grow our business or mastering restoration techniques. My brain is happiest when it’s being exercised.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
I’m Jackie Williams. Together with my husband Todd Wilson, we created Furnish Me Vintage. Our adventure in vintage furniture began in St. Petersburg, Florida 2009. The local business quickly grew to a well recognized national brand. Fifteen years later we’re still going strong, now located in Chattanooga, Tennessee. We love Chattanooga’s central location allowing us to serve local and national customers better. We have a beautiful showroom in Chattanooga where customers can experience our furniture, home decor, and art in person before buying. Many of our customers find us on our website, furnishmevintage.com. As a former web designer, e-commerce has always been a huge sector of our business. Our trusted network of specialized shippers serve our clients across America. At this rate we’ve sold over 7,000 items. It’s truly amazing to think that a little piece of us is in private homes, hotels, movies, TV shows, bars, restaurants across the world. Working with these storied vintage pieces is our passion. A sale isn’t just a sale, we match people with objects so that they will be preserved and appreciated for many more years to come. In a world of disposable consumer culture, the sustainability and slow living aspect of our business feels good.
Amazing, so let’s take a moment to go back in time. What’s a moment that really shaped how you see the world?
Todd and I were both childhood entrepreneurs. He sold sea heather on the side of the road in Cape Cod, I drew cartoons for classmates during lunch. By the time we graduated high school, both of us had some business experience from a variety of pursuits. The real “aha” moment for me came from a catering job in college. Todd and I met at a up-market wedding and event venue. This was a top-notch place, outstanding staff from servers to chefs and everyone between. These folks worked long days, seemingly every day, including holidays. As a 18 year old, I saw how hard these people worked — to make someone else super rich! They gave up Saturdays, Christmases, Easter, Friday nights… and the owner of the business would absolutely berate his staff every time he showed up. That’s when I said to myself… I will never work this hard to make someone else’s dreams come true.
What did suffering teach you that success never could?
This is such a great question. I had a great childhood but resources were scarce. Starting off life from a place of struggle can be quite empowering. Lack can act as fuel to drive your ambition. Taking risks and branching out seems less scary when you don’t have much to loose. Whenever I think of trying something new… I think, what is the worst that can happen? I mean, I’ve already been broke and I know how to work around it. I’ve experienced discomfort, I know how to deal with it. I definitely measure risk with all my business decisions but I weigh the best and the worst possible consequences. Negative outcomes are a part of life, but having a head to weather the storms is what keeps you going.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. Whose ideas do you rely on most that aren’t your own?
When I think of where I am in life, I become overwhelmed with gratitude. My family has been my number one support system since birth. My absolutely amazing husband is also my creative partner. What could be better? I have the most interesting and talented group of friends and mentors. In short, I’m surrounded by a wealth of love, support, and knowledge. There’s only so much you learn from school. People are my ever-replenishing well of inspiration. Consulting my circle, and even new people I meet, plays such a strong role in shaping the way I think.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. What pain do you resist facing directly?
Tik Tok!!! I can’t do it! Haha! It’s insanity. I know social media is important for today’s businesses, but I just can’t with Tik Tok. It’s too manic. We’ve been on Instagram over 10 years – that’s where you’ll find us @furnishmevintage. Taking a step back, I think were are at a crucial point where users and entrepreneurs are oversaturated with platforms. Our marketing plan is shifting away from social media and toward growing the REAL social network — person to person. We can’t jump ship because these platforms are so deeply ingrained, but we are getting back to the basics of what it really means to be a local business.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://furnishmevintage.com
- Instagram: @furnishmevintage
Image Credits
Jacqueline Williams
Mallory Franklin
