Inspiring Conversations with Cheryl Steiner of Front Porch Home

Today, we’d like to introduce you to Cheryl Steiner.

Hi Cheryl, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself. 
Hi, My name is Cheryl Steiner. I’m from Hillsboro, TN. We (My husband Pete and 3 children Gabrielle, Kayla, & Peyton) moved to Plain City, OH in June 2017. When we moved to Ohio I had been a homemaker for over 10 years. 

In 2017, we moved to Plain City, OH, from Hillsboro, TN. At that time, I had been a stay-at-home mom for over ten years. I worked very hard to make sure our 3 kids were always taken care of, but I had always dreamed of having something I could enjoy for myself. So, every time we went back to TN to visit, I had to make time to go to my favorite boutique shops. That was one thing I missed most. So, it was 2021 & I began to think it wouldn’t be awesome if I could find a very small place to lease here in Plain City, OH & open a shop. On March 9, 2021, that dream came true! Mr. Johnny Houchard was kind enough to let us lease the corner of 114 West Main St. in uptown Plain City. I will forever be grateful for him and that he took a chance on me! And I can’t believe my dream has come true! 

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?
Location is key for any small business. We are in the heart of it all in Uptown Plain City, but it has come with some big challenges. We’ve had multiple major construction projects both in front and behind our retail space. Leaving us without storage during the holiday season. Last year, 3 days after we moved into our newly expanded space, construction began on the sidewalks out front.  That took months to complete. The renovations up above our space are still in progress. It’s a lot of work but it’s a wonderful feeling hearing all the sweet compliments from everyone that walks through the door! All the relationships I have made with some of the most amazing customers. It’s a humbling experience for sure!

. We also move inventory several times before it makes its way onto the shelves. Our friends in town are kind enough to allow our large deliveries to ship to them & then we move it across town and unbox it and then load it up and bring it back to Front Porch Home and unload it again. It is a lot of work but soooo worth it!!!

As you know, we’re big fans of Front Porch Home. For our readers who might not be as familiar what can you tell them about the brand?
Front Porch Home is a unique home decor shop! Our goal is to transport you to the South & make you feel right at home as soon as you walk through the door! We want you to instantly feel welcomed! We specialize in southern inspired home decor & farmhouse style along with beautiful florals & handmade custom furniture from Front Porch Woodworks! Shopping at Front Porch Home is not just another store, it’s an experience! 

Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
I grew up in Pelham, TN. A very small town located at the foot of Monteagle Mtn. We didn’t have much. Growing up I always loved to pretend to own a store! Never in a million would I have guessed those years pretending would become a reality. I attended a very small elementary school. Pelham Elementary It was K-8th grade. Can you believe there were 16 of us all 8 years? I graduated high school in 1994 and went on to Tennessee Technology Center & completed Accounts.

If you are ever in or around Plain City,OH please stop by. There are so many changes coming to Uptown Plain City in the next couple of years! You don’t want to miss it! The history in the building alone is worth the stop!

• Website: www.frontporchhomeohio.com
• Instagram: @frontporchhomeohio
• Facebook: @frontporchhomeohio

Image Credits
Dani Watts Photography