Today we’d like to introduce you to Nicole Canales.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
I have always had a creative heart and loved decorating, staging, finding fun and unique finds, and turning old household items into treasures! I had worked in the medical world as well as corporate sales for the last 15 years and when we found out we were having our second child after fertility assistance I talked with my husband and we decided it was “now or never” for me to step out of the corporate world and pursue a dream I have always had of doing “my own thing” allowing me to have more flexibility with my children and family.
I started the search for a place and very quickly, by coincidence I stumbled upon this old chapel that was in the town where we live and a mile from our home. A contractor was working inside. I stopped to ask what was going on and he mentioned the chapel had just been placed up for rent. He asked if I would be interested in speaking with the owner and without hesitation, I said “YES”! Within a half hour the owner came up, we chatted, and I fell in love with this old, charming, beautiful chapel that had been in our town since the early 1920s. I signed a lease the next day and then freaked out just a bit however knew that I was about to embark on a wonderful adventure!
Over the last two years, we have gotten to know so many people in our growing community, made so many new friends and met so many new neighbors. Owning a business in an old historic chapel has had its challenges, however, more than anything is such an honor and has been such a joy! We have unique, handcrafted vendors inside the chapel and we carry a variety of items such as hand made woodwork items, clothing, furniture, candles, bath & body products, kids clothing and accessories, gifts, art and much more!
We also have a classroom space where we teach classes, do workshops, have private events and functions! We also have a small wine bar in the building behind, and we have eight wines on tap, six craft beers on tap, small antipasto boards and over 85 labels of wine from all over the world! We have several customers who grab a glass and enjoy while they shop! They have the true “Sip & Shop” experience!
We’re always bombarded by how great it is to pursue your passion, etc. – but we’ve spoken with enough people to know that it’s not always easy. Overall, would you say things have been easy for you?
I believe the adventure of stepping out of my comfort zone, starting something on my own, and not having an exact plan has been one of the most terrifying things in my life! I have learned so much over the last two years, and I wouldn’t change a THING! Some of the struggles I would say have been since we are in an old chapel that is basically a historic landmark it has been a challenge to have people understand what we are and that we are not an active church!
We have worked hard to preserve the charming chapel and haven’t wanted to change anything nor add a huge sign that takes away from the charm. We have been what I call an “organically grown business” by sharing what we are by word of mouth through customers, neighbors, friends, family and hoping they will share with their groups and community! Also, after having our second child six months after we opened, we had a very nice surprise and found out we were pregnant with our 3rd a year after we had opened.
Being a working mom, owning my own business, being a wife and mom to three children 4 and under has been a struggle! Trying to juggle it all can be overwhelming. I have learned through this you don’t have to be perfect, you might forget a thing or two, you might be running late however you always take care of your customers and your supporters, they take care of you, and all is worth it in the end.
So, as you know, we’re impressed with Southern Chapel Vintage Market – tell our readers more, for example, what you’re most proud of as a company and what sets you apart from others.
SCVM is a shopping experience like no other! We have local crafters, we teach classes, we have a small wine bar so you can sip while you shop, we have an artist that paint on site so you can walk in and see them in action and so much more!
We are proud for the fact that we feel we have taken an old historic chapel and turned it into a beautiful gathering place for our town and surrounding communities. We strive to be a place our neighbors, friends, and family can come to relax, unwind, have fun, be creative, step out of their comfort zone and enjoy!
So, what’s next? Any big plans?
We are planning to have more live music on the weekends on the stage of the chapel, we are planning to have a large variety of classes and workshops, we are planning to showcase more “pop up” vendors on weekends and showcase local talent.
Contact Info:
- Address: 5101 FM 424 Cross Roads TX 76227
- Website: www.scvmarket.com
- Phone: 972-839-8416
- Email: scvmarket@scvmarket.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/scvmarket/
Getting in touch: VoyageDallas is built on recommendations from the community; it’s how we uncover hidden gems, so if you know someone who deserves recognition please let us know here.
