Today we’d like to introduce you to Elizabeth Gray
Elizabeth, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
I resigned from being a facilities manager for a charter school in Connecticut. It wasn’t feeding my creative soul. I started by painting signs, treasure picking and creating whatever I thought could sell. I set my alarm on Saturday nights for 3 am to make the hour long commute to sell at the Elephant’s Trunk in New Milford. It was very competitive to get a spot on the popular field where on occasion, Flea Market Flip would shoot for their show with Lara Spencer! My first flea went well and I shortly became obsessed with building my inventory. Week after week, women would ask me where my store was. I would giggle and say, this is my store! A few months passed and I got to witness a shooting of the Flea Market Flip show! As I waited on what I thought was a potential customer, I turned and a camera was in my face as a microphone hung over my head! They were actively shooting at my booth and purchasing from me! That incidentally happened 3 different times that day and if you ever catch one of the reruns, my shocked expression is the real deal.
After that, I took selling seriously and wondered about a storefront. I ran into an old acquaintance who,invited me to see her studio that she was vacating. The brick walls and tall ceilings in an old Ovation Guitar Factory pulled at my heartstrings! I was instantly in love with it. Although my rent was only $400 a month, I was scared to death to commit. I poured my heart and soul into the space, had a blessing at the open house with friends and family the night before and fell in love with my new adventure! After only two years, my husband got an offer in Texas. We sold our home, a little lake cabin and the store and again took another leap of faith.
After a month of setting up the house, I became restless again, but I was in a state thousands of miles from home and had no idea where to start. I took day trips to find antique pockets in towns that surrounded us. I bounced around a few venues, full well knowing once you work for yourself, there’s really no turning back.
I found the country home of my dreams to set up shop. Unfortunately it was the week of the snowstorm that we had in Texas! The pipes burst throughout the home and it would be at least 6 months before anything would be fixed. I was devastated. I went home and buried my head under the covers for a month and then decided to search again. This time, I headed west to Wimberley, finding a space that was lacking any charm. I bit the bullet, knocked some walls down and have been in that space for 3 1/2 years now. I love the small town, the charm and of course the community!
Alright, so let’s dig a little deeper into the story – has it been an easy path overall and if not, what were the challenges you’ve had to overcome?
I mentioned space challenges earlier, but once I got settled, I would say working with family was somewhat difficult for me. It is my business, but my daughter Khloe’ sister Terrri and just recently my husband Gray are working as vendors. They’ve referred to me as a boss and I haven’t fully embraced that, because, well, they’re my family! I’ve tried to take the boss label out of it and make it more like a team. Their opinions matter and it’s better to brainstorm.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I source mostly used, in good condition home decor and vintage items. I have a super love affair for rescuing unloved, unused items and reinventing them so that they appeal to others. Chips? Cracks? Dings? Tears? Old finishes? YES please!
I’m most proud of how my customers appreciate me and understand the concept of the store. My favorite parts of this job are picking for the treasures and setting up vignettes. The store has exploded and I am at full capacity right now, so I don’t always get to create exactly the vignette that’s pictured in my mind. That can be frustrating, but somehow the customers always compliment me. I would say POPPi VERNON is best known for new things being brought in daily, so there’s always a treasure to comb for! I’ve had customers in the past say they need to go on a POPPi VERNON diet because they are in there purchasing too much!
I feel we are set apart from other stores, because we offer a laid back vibe, great tunes playing and just a fun atmosphere to visit! We also try our best to not price gauge and offer price points for almost everyone.
So, before we go, how can our readers or others connect or collaborate with you? How can they support you?
I love for people to be familiar with my store and the vibe behind it. Collaborations only work if you can nurture a friendly exchange with like minded people. We’re open 7 days a week, so stopping in or writing an email is usually best.
Contact Info:
- Instagram: @poppivernon
- Facebook: @poppivernon
