Today we’d like to introduce you to Cecelia Brinke.
Hi Cecelia, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story?
Early retirement from Corporate Human Resources and Safety brought me Round Rock, TX from Phoenix, AZ to be near my son, my daughters-in-law family and my 2 granddaughters.
It was time to let my creative side shine. I started learning and playing with stained glass about 5 years ago and found I was mesmerized by the unlimited visions one can create. I started taking classes in Austin when I moved here in 2023, had my first Taylor Market in July 2024, where I also met my business partner, Juli. Numerous conversations later, we signed the lease for room 102 at The Old Taylor High in September 2024 and had our Grand Opening October 2024.
We both had a passion to create but also a common vision for our community. Creating a warm and welcoming environment for others of our community to show off their own talents. Everything in our shop is handmade or has Taylor history behind some of the collectables we have brought in. In addition to the various vendors that we have in our shop we aslo offer Do It Yourself Art classes. Friday and Saturdays are quite fun in our shop as we hold stained glass, painting and crochet classes for all to join in. Grab a beer, cocktail or ice cream and join us for some creative fun..
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?
Trust has been our biggest concern as Juli and I had just met each other. We took a leap of faith based on our common passion and vision. the Struggle is every month, will we keep enough traffic coming through The Old Taylor High to keep our vendor profitable is always the question
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
hard to answer this as I am new in my second phase of life, I am sure challenges are ahead but, I draw upon my past 35 years of experience of hiring, training and coaching folks in the mining and construction industry. My career has typically brought me to small towns ready for growth. Making sure what I bring to the community brings a positive impact.
What do you like best about our city? What do you like least?
Love the small town of Taylor, folks are warm and welcoming and show a true concern for one another. Not enough is known of Taylor, not even those in the town. Old Taylor High is a historical icon that is trying to revive and be vibrancy in our little town. More advertising and signage of what Taylor has to offer.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: Artisans Mercantile
- Facebook: Artisans Mercatile
