33 minute read
CENTRAL TEXAS WOMEN IN BUSINESS PROFILES
WOODS FLOWERS
As a fourth generation florist, Carol Hajda has been featured in bridal magazines and is a member of both the Texas State Florists and the Society of American Florists. Carol Hajda established her own business as a florist in 1992, having grown up on both sides of the retail and wholesale floral industry. Woods Flowers first opened its doors in 1950. The owner then was Verba Rose Woods, Carol's maternal grandmother. Her dad and her dad's father owned and managed several acres of greenhouses where the family grew plants to furnish local florists. Carol's bassinet was constantly in the flower shop when she was a baby, and by age ten, she had designed and sold her first arrangement. She was delivering plants from the wholesale greenhouse already by that time. Given a lifetime of experience in the floral industry, Carol Hajda of Woods Flowers remains one of Temple's premiere florists.
1415 W. Avenue H, Temple Phone 254-778-8506 www.woodsbloomingfields.com
Carol Hajda
Perry Office Plus
Lynnsay Macey, Shelli Hellinghausen, Jessica Speer, Debbie Macey, Stacy Haugeberg, Bonnie Johnson
1401 North 3rd Street, Temple Phone 254-778-4755 www.perryop.com
The women of Perry Office Plus have a mission - to empower businesses and organizations in the local community to do their best work. Perry Office Plus offers office products, furniture, janitorial supplies, and promotional products to businesses. The Perry team works tirelessly to understand and meet customers needs. Being locally and independently-owned means they answer only to their customers and they can be faster and more flexible than a national chain or an e-commerce giant. Perry isn’t a large company so customers are often surprised by the wide range of their capabilities.
Perry is known for knowledge, friendly service, and dedication to creating happy customers. In addition, they are constantly expanding and fine-tuning the products and services they provide to truly be a convenient one-stop-shop for their clients. Perry has always strived to hire great people, and lead them with compassion and accountability if needed. They are always looking toward the future and this has helped them grow, make key acquisitions, and pivot when needed. In addition to employing 40 Central Texans, Perry Office Plus has always been a supporter of local causes, especially of area schools and charities. They believe in supporting the community that has supported them since 1920.
Bonnie Ratcliffe Kristi Lowry Jessica Kwan
FUZZY'S TACO SHOP
When Kristi Lowry realized that west Temple had a lack of family-friendly establishments with outdoor seating, she decided to open her own. That’s how Fuzzy’s Taco Shop came to Temple almost five years ago. Fuzzy’s is a bright spot on West Adams, offering fresh, handmade Baja-style Mexican food. Guests are greeted with a fun, energetic atmosphere, fabulous food, and great prices. Either inside the brightly-colored restaurant or out on the patio, Fuzzy’s guests can enjoy cocktails or ice-cold beer from the fully-stocked bar, along with local favorites such as fish tacos, burritos, nachos and queso.
Kristi runs Fuzzy’s with her own special flair, while balancing her life as a busy wife and mother. A huge help and inspiration, her managers Jessica Kwan and Bonnie Ratcliffe (pictured) help run the show, as well. Armed with a very loyal staff, Kristi is extremely grateful for the employees that have stuck by her side through the pandemic. Fuzzy’s staff strives to make every guest feel at home, as soon as they walk in the door. Like any worthy establishment, Fuzzy’s has regulars that have been coming in since day one, adding to the fun, welcoming aura. Not only does Kristi provide the community with a fun establishment for the entire family but she also gives back to the community by donating to schools and local sports programs. Whether you’re after some delicious eats, drinks with friends or even live music, Fuzzy’s is the hot spot to be!
7425 W. Adams Ave, Suite 100-120, Temple Phone 254-742-7747
www.fuzzystacoshop.com
KREDIT KLEANSE
I am the co-owner/co-founder of Kredit Kleanse. We decided to open this company to help improve the community's credit by removing inaccurate and unverifiable items that hold back their credit scores. We understand that this isn't something taught in the majority of our homes, schools and communities. By helping with business credit and building credit, we also educate and help our clients to achieve their goals. After cleansing credit and building profiles, our clients have been able to buy that house, car, dream vacation, surgery, college, or even start that business/real-estate venture they were dreaming of. We offer credit repair and credit counseling. By using consumer protection laws such as the Fair Credit Reporting Act, we dispute items that our clients believe are inaccurate. With over a decade of experience, we assist real estate and mortgage professionals to position our clients to get ready for the home buying process. No matter what your reason for repairing your credit, we are here to help! Just know you can maximize your efforts with an asset that’s readily at your disposal…Credit.
Kyra Dodd
CareAge HomeCare was founded in 2006 in Temple, Texas by Vickie Smith and JoAnn Walter. Their experience in caring for JoAnn’s mother and seeing the challenges our elders experience inspired Vickie and JoAnn to help other seniors. Vickie and JoAnn’s passion is shared by Care Liason and Coordinator, Brandi Williams and all of our caregivers. CareAge HomeCare provides non medical home care in Bell, Coryell and Lampasas counties. With over 45 years combined experience, we are committed to providing assistance while allowing our clients to remain independent.
CAREAGE HOMECARE
254.780.9864 • 877.888.9864 • 4016 S. 31st Street, Ste 100, Temple • careagehomecare.com
Paperdoodles is the stationery store with so much more. The only one of its kind in Central Texas, Susie Winkler runs a successful shop in Pecan Plaza in Temple. Paperdoodles is a one-stop-shop for personalized invitations and paper goods. Susie specializes in custom wedding, shower and save-the date invitations. She carries classic brands like Crane and PSA personalized stamps, and offers signature lines such as Jon Hart customizable bags, Coton Colors ceramics, s.a.l.t sisters soups and seasoning, and an assortment of collegiate and “Greek” merchandise. Susie truly believes in keeping things personal. “There are very few things that are more personal than a hand-written note.” says Susie. “It’s a permanent, palpable sign of thoughtfulness. Whether you are the writer or the receiver.”
PAPERDOODLES
1401 S. 31st Street, Ste C, Temple in Pecan Plaza • www.paperdoodles.com • 254-773-8331
As a locally owned and operated business since 1998, The Gallery Design Center has become the one stop destination for all your home improvement needs. Brenda Esparza, co-owner is there to help guide you in selecting the perfect window covering for your home or business such as blinds, shades, shutters, drapery, upholstery, motorized products and solar screens.
Brenda can design your kitchen/bath remodeling project from start to finish, by coordinating and supplying all the products such as flooring, cabinets, cabinet hardware, countertops, backsplash, wallpaper, paint selections, plumbing fixtures and light fixtures; as well as managing your project.
GALLERY DESIGN CENTER
254.773.9890 • www.gdctexas.com
3103 SW HK Dodgen Loop, Temple
Kim Langston
You won’t find many vineyards owned and operated by a mother and her daughters, but Central Texas offers just that! Kim Langston, along with her two daughters, was determined to start a successful vineyard and winery - and that’s exactly what she did. 3 Texans Winery and Vineyard provides a relaxing place to gather and enjoy wine made exclusively with Texas grapes.
With a gorgeous backdrop of vines and sunsets, 3 Texans has become a premier gathering place in Central Texas. Guests can gather around the bar or out on the patio, play corn hole or enjoy live music. Soft, twinkly lights complete the atmosphere and there isn’t another place quite like it. 3 Texans hosts many events with vendors and food trucks, a gathering of local businesses supporting one another. The staff at 3 Texans strives to get to know their clientele, learning their names and their favorites. 3 Texans is also a venue for fundraising and other events. Just a short drive away in West Temple, it’s a place you don’t want to miss out on!
7536 FM Road 2409, Temple Phone 254) 277-0024 www.3texanswinery.com
The staff at AFC Urgent Care in Temple treats patients just like family – after all, AFC stands for American Family Care. True healthcare heroes, the caregivers at AFC have battled tirelessly on the frontlines of the Covid-19 pandemic since the beginning, providing rapid, accurate testing and thoroughly sanitizing the entire clinic daily. The medical staff ensures that every precaution is taken to treat patients in a safe environment.
Since 2009, Vicki Kennedy has settled for nothing less than providing a safe and convenient alternative to Emergency Room visits. Armed with a team of experienced medical professionals and board certified physicians, AFC has earned a reputation for being affordable, accessible and economical. The variety of services offered here is extensive – personal healthcare, urgent care, occupational medicine, workers compensation care, and even remote Covid testing. The dedicated team always goes above and beyond to provide a kind and caring environment while respecting the rights of all patients and their families. The clinic is conveniently located on the loop in Temple – right next to Cracker Barrel. Open seven days a week and with physicians on site at all times, AFC Urgent Care continues to set the bar high for all healthcare clinics.
Vicki Kennedy
When Elaine Montalbo decided to open a restaurant in Central Texas, she knew she wanted it to be different. That’s how Suzy Q’s came to be. Located in Pecan Plaza on 31st Street, Suzy Q’s IS different – from the retro décor to the menu items that aren’t offered anywhere else in Central Texas. You can find beignets, lox and cream cheese, boudin balls and unique burgers sandwiches at Suzy Q’s, along with hand-cut fries that are to die for. Guests are greeted by Elaine and staff as if they are family – and family is important to the Montalbo’s. The food at Suzy Q’s is made fresh daily – including the famous chicken salad. There isn’t much that this home away from home doesn’t offer – it’s a must-visit!
SUZY Q’S
1401 S. 31st Street, Ste E in Pecan Plaza, Temple • www.facebook.com/Suzy-Qs • (254) 228-1555
Seleese Thompson and her talented staff love to Turn Your Feeling Into Flowers and work hard to create a destination for customers to experience floral artistry, plants, Texas Made Tyler Candles, Starfire Designs, home and holiday decor, Soapberry Potpourri alongside novelty gifts for every occasion. Seleese has owned Precious Memories since 2003, Winning National Retail Florist in 2007 and in 2017 added Hallmark Cards and Gifts to the products offered. Expanding services to include being open seven days a week to serve customers, introducing a Bouquet of the Month Program, Holiday decorating for homes and offices. She is proud of being an active part of the business community and has served as Temple Chamber of Commerce Chairman of The Board of Directors. Currently serving as a Member of The United Way of Central Texas and Temple Children’s Museum Board of Directors and believes in being an active part of our growing community.
1404 S. 31st St., Temple Phone 254-778-2242 www.preciousmemoriesflorist.com
Seleese Thompson
I offer personalized service to my customers and also have several lines of accessories from purses to caps. I have in-stock frames from luxury Bottega Veneta to budget frames. So, something for any budget. Personal attention for each customer is what I offer unlike the big chains.
MARVINA’S OPTICAL BOUTIQUE
5 Meadowbrook Drive, Suite D, Temple • 254-771-2522 • www.marvinasoptical.com
Gunter Financial Services utilizes a team approach to financial advising, offering clients a broader scope of expertise. Alongside Matt Gunter, Francesca GervascioFranzen offers a vast wealth of knowledge with over 18 years of industry experience. With a passion for financial planning, Francesca dedicates herself to helping clients achieve their dreams, especially assisting women, business owners, and military. Most recently, she and Matt Gunter published a book, Lifestyle Metamorphosis Enhance Your Financial Fitness in 40 Days.
GUNTER FINANCIAL SERVICES
204 N Penelope St. Ste A Belton, TX • www.gunterfinancialservices.com • 254-613-5508
Securities offered through Raymond James Financial Services, Inc., member FINRA/SIPC. Investment Advisory Services are offered through Raymond James Financial Services Advisors, Inc. Gunter Financial Services is not a registered broker/dealer and is independent of Raymond James Financial Services. Raymond James does not offer tax or legal advice. You should discuss any tax or legal matters with the appropriate professional.
Cherished Memories
Woman continues son’s legacy with sister-in-law
Story and photos by BRANDY CRUZ
Nearly eight years after the tragic death of her son, Royce Crawford is keeping his memory alive by fulfilling one of his last requests — to make memory beads in honor of departed pets.
Royce and her husband David own Cherished Memories Pet Cremation Service, LLC. By working with veterinary offices throughout Central Texas, they help bring comfort to grieving pet owners through the services they provide.
After Aaron’s untimely death in 2013, his parents put away his bead-making tools and supplies, but felt strongly the desire to fulfill his vision of creating the memory beads. They realized they needed to carry on his legacy by helping pet owners work through the grieving process after losing a beloved pet.
Four years later, Royce’s sister-in-law Valerie retired from teaching third grade and moved back home to Central Texas. After a rewarding life as a teacher, Valerie was looking for something to keep her creative juices flowing. They recently asked if she would like to become the main creator of the memory beads.
“I loved it so much, it’s what I was doing all the time,” Valerie explained about finding her new passion in life.
Valerie read through all of Aaron’s books on glass bead-making — known as lampworking — watched YouTube videos and practiced until she
— Royce Crawford
found her own unique style. After successfully making her first glass bead, Valerie said she was so excited, she was showing everyone. She also keeps that first glass bead on a bracelet she wears everywhere.
“She told me once, ‘When I’m making these, I always end up thinking about the owners and their families. What was the bond like between them and their pet? Did they get him or her as a newborn or rescue?’” Royce shared about Valerie. “Not only is there cremains going into the bead, but a lot of emotion too.”
Some memory beads have been made for a few pet owners already, but they will formally start offering them through vet clinics who use Cherished Memories, beginning June 1.
The intricate process includes using a torch to melt the colored glass. While at the vet clinic, pet owners choose from one of eight colors for their chosen memory bead. Pet ashes are cataloged, and even the smallest amount is tracked. Royce and Valerie said they are very meticulous about Continued
Royce Crawford and her sister-in-law, Valerie Crawford, work together to preserve precious memories for pet parents after their loved ones have crossed the Rainbow Bridge. Valerie taught herself how to make the beads after reading Aaron Crawford‘s lampworking books and watching YouTube videos. The intricate process includes using a torch to melt the colored glass.
”When I’m making these, I always end up thinking about the owners and their families. What was the bond like between them and their pet? Did they get him or her as a newborn or rescue?” — Valerie Crawford
Royce Crawford places the stainless steel inserts inside the bead, adds the finishing touches and prepares the presentation for return back to the pet’s family.
everything during the process.
After forming the memory bead and placing the cremains within the glass, the labeled bead must sit in an annealer, which allows the glass to gradually cool down over 24 hours. Valerie explained that if the glass cools down too fast, it could crack and shatter.
After the bead has completely cooled down, Royce places the stainless steel inserts inside the bead, adds the finishing touches and prepares the presentation for return back to the pet’s family.
Royce and Valerie met after David and Royce literally crashed into one another while attending Central Texas College in 1970. After 46 years of marriage, Royce said she’s lucky because she married into a great family and gained such a caring sister-in-law. The two even share the same birthday, three years apart.
The two loving souls also share a common goal — to carry on Aaron’s legacy by honoring the memory of beloved family pets.
“We get a lot of cards from people saying, ‘What you’ve done means so much. Thank you for the after care package. We didn’t know what to expect, but we can see the respect you put into the urns and such,’” Royce explained. “I get cards from people who say, ‘It’s more than we ever expected.’ That’s why I do it.”
A Little TLC
Angela Jourdain helps people find meaningful relationships
By AMY ROGNLIE | Photos by SKEEBO
Whatever your reaction to the term people. A speed-dating night complete with live music “matchmaking,” throw it out the window. is in the works, along with various small groups and Angela Jourdain and her newly formed classes, including the popular “Decoding Men” and company, Therapeutic Loving Connections, are on a “Decoding Women” classes. mission to change the face of dating in Bell County. “Because we are local and not online, we get to TLC’s services are a far cry from an online dating know each of our clients personally,” Angela explains. service. Rather, Angela and her staff have a passion to “We want to help people make the move back to educate. safe, committed, sustainable relationships that are
“Matchmaking provides a better, safer, more supported by the community and eliminate the effective, stress-free way to date in a world that has ability for predators and scammers to hide behind become very complicated. But TLC is so much more a keyboard.” In light of this, all of TLC’s dating than just being matched with someone,” Angela “coaches” are college educated and licensed in explains. “We want folks to know that there are people the field of social work and psychology. In addition, available to mentor, guide and teach them how to they employ a variety of background checks and an have meaningful, lasting relationships, and we hope abbreviated psychological evaluation to screen clients to create a structure in which to enhance dating safety. the community can join us in this “The beauty of a The TLC staff also works mission.” A licensed counselor, Angela strong relationship with married couples, providing coaching for relationship repair has spent years in various roles is the strength and ‘re-sparking.’ Angela and her including private practice, foster staff teach couples to utilize apps, parenting, Fort Hood Youth MFLC, it provides for a games and other creative ways to Williamson county juveniles, and most recently working counseling single individual get to know one another again. They will even help plan romantic services through private practice by enhancing love, getaways. with the military and with the In addition, Angela and her staff Department of Family Protective respect, and a sense are working with the local youth Services. Throughout her career, she saw many people who of belonging.” center and area singles groups in their quest to teach teens and struggled in relationships and — Angela Jourdain college-aged people how to in finding their ideal partner. healthily negotiate relationships. Observing this struggle, coupled with her desire for “I would like the youth of our community to learn community advocacy, drove her to create TLC. early on about safe dating and healthy connection
“With my time in all of these areas, there so that families develop happier healthier ways for were common themes of deep hurt from broken generations. Relationships are important to the relationships and family systems. This was community and they are an investment,” she said. indiscriminate to any demographic and deeply Whether you’re looking for that special someone impactful in multiple areas of people’s lives,” she says. or need some help with an existing relationship, TLC “This is how I ended up in my exact spot and I love offers a variety of packages to meet everyone’s needs. that I have an opportunity and ability to advocate Or take advantage of a multitude of a la carte services change.” and classes such as teen-dating etiquette, amicable Located in Killeen, TLC provides a safe, local, fun resolution of an existing relationship, and family place for clients to meet others in person. “Singles blending. Mingles,” including game nights, karaoke, cooking and painting classes and wine tastings are hosted MAKE A CONNECTION regularly so clients can practice their newly acquired https://tlconnections.com/ communication skills and have fun meeting new Call or text: 254-258-2234
Angela Jourdain hopes to change the face of dating with Therapeutic Loving Connections.
INSPIRING WOMEN. INSPIRING GREATNESS.
A BIG THANK YOU TO ALL OF THE WOMEN AT EXTRACO BANKS FOR ALL THEY DO.
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ALLISON FINNEY IN PURSUIT OF Knowledge, Success
By JANNA ZEPP | Photos by JUSTIN BORJA and contributed
Allison Finney’s professional career began, literally, hip-deep in blood.
“I worked at a beef packing house in the Friona-Amarillo area after earning my Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Production from Texas Tech University,” she says. “My brother (Corbett) came out to see where I worked and was not prepared for what he saw when I showed him the kill floor and the blood pit. But he learned the truth about where our grocery store beef comes from.”
Finney said she used her job at the beef packing house to help collect research data for one of her former professors at Texas Tech. She was deeply interested in working with livestock, from beginning to end.
But eventually, the call to come home was too strong, especially when her parents, Woody and Jeanette Finney asked her to come back to Central Texas and learn the family insurance business. It was then that she discovered her love of helping people navigate the world of insurance coverage.
Woody passed away in 2002 and eventually, Finney and her brother, Corbett, bought Finney Insurance Agency in Belton from their father’s estate in 2005. She worked Corbett until his death in 2016. Now, she, Kathy Fritsche, Montie Elkins and Adam Foulton work together to keep Central Texans and their property protected.
“I love helping people understand the true value of what they have and how they need to protect it,” Finney says. “I sit down with my customers and explain to them what they have for coverage, what they should have and what they are comfortable with as far as coverage goes.”
She adds that there may be cheaper insurance policies available to them, but it might also be the most expensive policy a person can buy in the long run, especially if it does not offer the kind of protection they actually need.
The Finney Insurance Team, from left: Adam Foulton, Montie Elkins, Allison Finney and Kathy Fritsche.
When asked what some of the more interesting cases she handled during her career were, she quickly told the tale of the rogue bleach bottle and a brand new carpet.
“One of our customers carried a bleach bottle in her laundry basket, not realizing the top was not secure. It left a trail of bleach across her relatively new carpet. Because she had an “all peril” policy, it covered the rather unusual situation completely. Not all do, but this one did, and we were able to help her out,” Finney says.
She also mentioned other odd cases, such as the air conditioning unit that was literally burned up by fire ants and raccoons that ate holes in a home’s air conditioning ducts.
“The insurance business is never boring,” Finney Continued
Monday mornings at Finney Insurance: Allison Finney and Adam Foulton review the previous month‘s goals and set goals for the current month.
says. Because of that, she says she stays current on the latest developments in the business with continuing education.
“I am among the agents that were ‘grandfathered in’ as not being required to take CE courses under a recent insurance regulation, but I still take them because that’s the smart thing to do for any agent. It’s the right thing to do for customers,” she adds.
Finney believes in setting short- and long-term goals to achieve. She says she’s always growing and learning, an example she sets daily for her children. When it came time for them to go off to college, they chose trade schools. Her son chose to become a welder and her daughter chose to pursue a career in cosmetology.
“All a college degree really does is show that you have the initiative to persevere and a trade school shows that too. I started my career at a beef packing house and switched to selling insurance. I’ve enjoyed both. It doesn’t matter where you go to get your education or what your major is as long as you go for it,” Finney says. “The important thing is go do something you love so that it does not seem like work. That’s one of the real marks of success.”
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Staff Sgt. Samantha Escamilla is a dental assistant and a parachute rigger in the Army.
CALLED TO SERVE
Samantha Escamilla fulfills dream by joining the Army
Story and photo by JANNA ZEPP
German philosopher Friedrich Nietzsche stated, “That which does not kill us, makes us stronger,” and it is often true. Adversity breaks some people and motivates others. For Staff Sgt. Samantha Escamilla, 502nd Dental Company Area Support, 1st Medical Brigade, 13th Expeditionary Sustainment Command, Fort Hood, a series of terrible tragedies challenged her to finally and successfully pursue the career of her dreams: serving in the U.S. Army.
As a child in Covina, California, Escamilla wanted to be a soldier. She loved military movies, especially ones that featured women overcoming adversity and going on to victory as warriors. A particular career day hosted at her school solidified her desire to join the U.S. Army. But it was not until a divorce, a job loss and losing her home set her on a course that turned her life around for the better when she enlisted into active duty on April 24, 2012.
“If all those terrible things could not tear my spirit apart, I figured the Army would be an excellent choice for me as a career,” Escamilla says. “It was a perfect opportunity for me to do what I always wanted to do.”
Now, Escamilla’s MOS, or military occupational specialty (a J-O-B in civilian speak) is primarily as a dental specialist and secondarily a parachute rigger. She’s a dental assistant and she packs parachutes for airborne operations. She readily admits that, even though she works in dentistry, she does not enjoy going to the dentist and recognizes when other soldiers are tense about getting dental work done. She credits her ability to commiserate about that painful common ground with other soldiers with helping them feel at ease in the dentist’s chair.
Packing parachutes for soldiers keeps her attention on the details, as a bad day at work for her means somebody gets hurt...or worse.
“I work to make sure there are no bad days for any of us,” she says, sighing.
When asked what keeps her passionate about being a soldier herself, Escamilla is effusive.
“I love what I do and I love the people I work with,” says Escamilla. “The discipline and camaraderie in the Army is what I love the most about being in the military. The discipline that comes with the physical demand of being a tactical athlete combined with the ‘tactful’ professionalism and service to our nation is one part. The other is the camaraderie because the Army teaches you to care for the person to your left and to your right, regardless of where they come from or who they are. All of this makes you a more intelligent leader and person.” That esprit d’corps was a challenge to keep up during the COVID-19 pandemic, but she and her fellow soldiers found a way to maintain it in painting a mural on the wall for their office. Escamilla and her battle buddies discovered a mutual love of art and working together on the unit’s wall art was the perfect way to keep their morale up. “Sometimes I think about becoming a tattoo artist,” she says. “Art is a great way to express yourself when words just aren’t enough.”
Escamilla’s other accomplishments include her family.
“I have two children: Presley is six and she loves unicorns. Cash is three and he is all about SpiderMan and throwing things,” she says, laughing.
Balancing family and career for a single mother is not easy, Escamilla cautions. She advises taking negativity and making it positive for a better outcome for yourself as much as possible.
“Don’t expect it to be easy or painless. Being a single mom in the Army is one of the hardest challenges, but challenges come and go. Current hardships will pass. Tomorrow is another day to be great and do your best by embracing the challenges life gives.”
Expanding into Success
LEAH MCHORSE RUNS DARLING DÉCOR & MORE AND A DARLING THRIFT STORE
Story and photos by JANNA ZEPP
What does the woman who has everything do? She expands her business, and that is exactly what Leah McHorse did and might well do again. Four years ago, McHorse moved her business, Darling Décor & More, from a little house on West Adams in Temple to 100 North Main Street – a building in the heart of downtown with about 4,000 square feet of space. She’s looking to expand again. “I’m full. I didn’t think I could fill this building, but I have, and I’m already thinking about how to expand again,” McHorse says, gesturing to her inventory of vintage furniture, curios and hard-tofind hardware. “I am constantly shopping for things I know people will enjoy. The trick is finding what my demographic really wants.”
When she started in the estate sales business years ago, she never really thought it would get this big. Now, in addition to her estate sale business, she has Darling Décor & More as well as A Darling Thrift Store at 608 South First St. in Temple.
“I really am in the business of recycling. It is hard to watch someone throw a great piece of furniture away that could be repurposed or updated,” says McHorse. “Some things just need a coat of paint or a rebuild into something else, like a twin bed headboard and footboard into a bench. Almost anything can have new life breathed into it.” When McHorse handled her grandmother’s estate sale (her first), she says she made about a thousand mistakes. She has since learned a whole lot more about antiques over the last 30 years and credits the Internet for making her continuing education much easier than when she first started.
“Before the Internet, I had to look through books to find out whether or not a piece I had was a true antique. Now, I can upload a photo of the item and do an online search. It’s much faster and easier now,” she says. McHorse has a painter, carpenter and florist on hand to help her out with displays and reworking furniture items that need updating or a complete Continued
Leah McHorse expanded Darling Décor & More with the opening of the Darling Thrift Store.
overhaul. She also rents booth space at the main shop on Main Street to independent vendors. Some of her original vendors are still with her.
But the acquisition of inventory for both stores remains the most intense part of her job and she says it is interesting every day. Doing estate sales offers McHorse the opportunity to see different houses and how they have been decorated, what styles were or are still popular, and ideas to help her customers figure out the endless possibilities reclaimed merchandise might hold.
“It’s like Christmas morning every Monday when I come back from a sale. It’s always a surprise,” she says. McHorse doubles as her own delivery person for those who have purchased from her and need their treasures brought to their doorsteps. She is in and out of the store more now as a result, and hoping to find someone soon to take on the task.
Of the curious things Darling Décor & More carries, Swanky Swigs are McHorse’s favorite collectible item. More than 80 years ago, Kraft Foods began offering their processed cheese spreads in reusable glass containers they dubbed “Swanky Swigs.” It was a marketing strategy to entice people to purchase Kraft’s products during the Great Depression. Once the jars were empty, they could be washed out and used as beverage glasses. The glass jars were produced by Hazel Atlas Glass Co. The first Swanky Swigs were hand painted with different designs including flowers, fruit, stars, animals and solid stripes. The popularity of Swanky Swigs led other food companies to produce their own version of a decorated reusable glass container, but among glass collectors, the term “Swanky Swig” belongs solely to the little glasses made by Kraft.
“I really do my homework on what something is worth before I put a price tag on it because my biggest fear is seeing something I found and sold for $20 end up on the PBS Antiques Roadshow being worth about a thousand times that amount,” McHorse laughs. “It really is the thrill of the hunt that keeps me doing what I do. I absolutely love it.”
IF YOU GO
Darling Décor & More
100 N. Main St., Temple www.darlingdecorandmore.com Estate sale information: www. darlingdecorandmore.com/estate-sales
A Darling Thrift Store
608 S. First St., Temple www.facebook.com/adarlingthriftstore Call 817-726-9612 for both businesses.
