Today we’d like to introduce you to Jalonda Moore-Ratliff.
Hi Jalonda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
We are going into our 11th year. The name of store is named after my Mother who passed away 31 years ago. Her name was Gloria Jean.. so of course, we added heartfelt treasures! Gloria Jeans Heartfelt Treasures!! In my world, my mom is a red bird/cardinal… which you will see when you step into our doors!
We started as a strictly antique store and then we blossomed into the shop we have today, which is what I had always seen in my mind’s eye! We have many talented people within our walls. We carry antique furniture, home decor, jewelry, candles, bath & body products, and so much more & many handmade items…which are what we refer to as pretties & goodies! We are open W-TH-F 12-5p & Sat 10-4, otherwise by appt.
One thing I want to mention because living in the area I started this small business, we do many events for the community, sales benefiting habitat for humanity, fundraisers, and donating to various organizations. We want to give back, especially since so many have given to us, by shopping with us!
Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
We have been very lucky… we have been fairly successful, and I contribute to our talented vendors and fabulous customers. However, we are always looking at what’s new in home decorating, the new decor trends, and furniture colors, and we work hard to make our customers happy!
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your business?
I worked many years and I was looking towards retirement. I wanted to open a shop where you walk in a stranger and leave as a friend. We have found that at Gloria Jeans! First, I have to tell you, in business, as well as in life, you are who you surround yourself with… I give all of the credit for the success at Gloria Jeans to the group of people who surround me.
The crew, as I call them, the talented makers… the folks with all of the artistry & vision. We are a family & that’s truly how I feel. There’s much work in having a small shop, constantly changing, it’s more work, lots of physical work also than I ever imagined… but we love it! Gloria Jeans prides itself on home decorating, so if you need ideas, we are here to help you. We offer in-home decorating consultations. We do a custom painting of your furniture or a piece you want to be refurbished, and brought back to life!
When you come to Gloria Jeans, we have 60’s music playing, we welcome you when you walk in the door, and then it’s all about the customer, who is there to enjoy a little retail therapy!!! We chat if they want to chat or we let the customer shop in peace… it’s all about the customer, it’s a fun little place to get away from the daily grind.
Gloria Jeans works very hard at keeping our prices reasonable, so this allows everyone to come in and they can afford something. Everyone loves the rush of shopping.. so we open our doors to all. It has been getting harder and harder to keep our prices down with all of the increases in everything.. but we try!
Can you talk to us about how you think about risk?
Just opening up a small business is a risk. I have been very lucky, I have the best artists surrounding me, and most of all, it’s all about the support that we receive from the customer. And fortunately, our customers are the best! All I can say is if you have a dream and want to do something, just do it…you never know until you try!
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @gloriajeans7379
- Facebook: @GloriaJeansx2
- Other: @Gloria Jeans 2 Furniture & Home Decor
