Today we’d like to introduce you to Stella Holloway
Hi Stella, thanks for joining us today. We’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
I never imagined that a hobby I started as a stay-at-home mom would turn into a thriving business. It all began with crafting at night after my kids had gone to bed, pouring my creativity into handmade pieces that I would later sell at craft fairs. Those fairs were my first taste of what it felt like to share my passion with the world…and people loved it!
As rewarding as craft fairs were, they were also exhausting. The early mornings, the constant set up and teardown, and the unpredictability of sales made me realize I wanted a more stable option. That’s when I discovered the world of vendor booth spaces. Renting a booth in a store allowed me to display my creations without the hassle of traveling or setting up for each event. It felt like dream come true.
However, not every booth rental experience was perfect. Some were incredible opportunities that allowed my business to grow, while others left me feeling frustrated and undervalued. Each situation taught me something new about running a business, working with others, and trusting my instincts.
Eventually, I decided it was time to take a bigger step. I partnered with someone to open our own store…a place where I was able to sell my crafts and also where people could shop at amazingly low prices on thrift and sundry items. At first, it was exciting and full of potential, but over time, it became clear that the partnership wasn’t aligned with my vision. Ending that chapter was hard, but it was a necessary step in my journey.
Out of those challenges came the most transformative decision of my life: opening my own store. No partners, no compromises…just me, my faith, and the lessons I had learned along the way. Starting a business from scratch was terrifying, but it was also liberating. I poured my heart and soul into creating a space where my customers could come shop and get amazing deals on items that they usually might not be able to afford at the big stores. I slowed down on my crafts but still feel inspired to make and sell some of my handmade items in the shop.
People often ask me why I chose a location almost an hour away from my home. It’s not the most convenient spot, and there were other, closer options. The truth is, I didn’t choose this location…God chose it for me. Every step of the journey, I felt His guidance leading me here. The challenges, the successes, and even the failures were all part of His plan to bring me to this place.
Now, as I stand in my store and see the smiling faces of my customers, I’m reminded of the journey that got me here. It wasn’t easy, but it was worth every twist and turn. You live, you learn, and with faith, you grow.
To anyone out there chasing a dream: trust the process, embrace the lessons, and never underestimate the power of God’s guidance. You never know where it might lead you.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
Becoming a business owner has been one of the most rewarding journeys of my life, but it hasn’t been without its challenges. There have been many moments when I found myself asking, “Will I be able to do this?” Fear of failure often crept in, making me question whether I was capable of following through on this dream. Through every doubt, I’ve learned one thing: to have complete faith in God.
The road hasn’t been easy. Financial struggles were a constant weight on my shoulders, especially in the early days when every dollar counted. On top of that, my family and I faced health struggles that tested our resilience and patience. Balancing business, family, and personal challenges sometimes felt impossible.
Through it all, I’ve learned to give it all to God. I’ve learned that no matter how much I plan or worry, He is the one in complete control. Every obstacle has been a reminder to trust Him more, to lean on His strength when I feel weak, and to believe that His plan is greater than mine.
There have been tears, prayers, and moments where I felt like giving up…but God has shown me time and time again that He is faithful. He has provided for my family when we needed it most, given me the courage to keep going, and surrounded me with love and support when I felt alone.
To anyone out there struggling…whether it’s with fear, finances, family, or health…I want you to know you’re not alone. Surrender it all to God. Trust Him, even when it’s hard, and know that He is guiding you through every challenge.
This journey has taught me that success isn’t just about achieving a goal; it’s about growing in faith, strength, and trust along the way…and for that, I am truly grateful.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
When people ask what sets me apart, it’s hard to narrow it down to one thing because my journey has been shaped by so many experiences, passions, and the people I hold dear. If I had to summarize, it all comes back to caring, creating, and cherishing the blessings in my life.
I’ve always had a soft spot for caring for others. My time working in hospitals was one of the most fulfilling chapters of my life. Being able to care for people during some of their most vulnerable moments meant the world to me. I saw firsthand how small acts of kindness could make a big difference, and it’s a mindset I’ve carried into every other aspect of my life.
Another passion of mine has been teaching small children. Watching them learn and discover new things was so inspiring. Their curiosity and excitement reminded me to see the world through fresh eyes and appreciate even the simplest moments.
My love for interior design is another piece of what makes me who I am. Creating beautiful, functional spaces feels like second nature to me and aligns perfectly with my love of crafting and creativity. I’ve always enjoyed taking something ordinary and making it extraordinary, whether it’s a room, a craft, or even a business.
What I’m most proud of? Without question, my three incredible children. They have taught me more about love, patience, and life than I ever could have imagined. They are my greatest achievements, and there’s nothing in this world I value more than being their mom. My husband is my rock, my partner, and my best friend…I love him more than words can express…but when it comes to my children, I couldn’t bear life without them. They are the reason I strive to be my best every day.
Last but most importantly, my God is the foundation of everything I do. He is the reason I wake up, the strength that gets me through tough moments, and the peace I find in every day. My faith has been the guiding light through all the challenges, joys, and uncertainties of life.
What sets me apart is my heart….for people, for creativity, for family, and for faith. These are the pieces of me that fuel my passion, shape my work, and define my purpose.
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