Today we’d like to introduce you to Candi Maloley.
So, before we jump into specific questions about the business, why don’t you give us some details about you and your story.
My mom began our story while I was still in high school. She started as a booth in an antique store and quickly grew to her own storefront within 5 years. When I returned from college, hoping to pursue a career in international law, I worked for her as I studied for the LSAT. I immediately fell in love with the design and helping people make their house their home. I love learning about people’s interest and passions and designing a space that tells their story. I took over the retail business in 2008 as my mom left the retail sector to focus on design in the north Houston area. I have loved every minute of being a shop owner and designer.
Has it been a smooth road?
Retail is NEVER a smooth road. When I took over the retail store the recession of 2008 hit the next month. Followed by our streets and sidewalks being ripped up and redone. However, in the midst of all these trials, I never wavered in my faith of the path I was walking. I learned valuable lessons on budgeting, organizing and marketing. I am grateful for the good and bad times. The bad times made me work harder and the good times showed the fruit of that labor.
We’d love to hear more about your business.
I love looking at design. I love looking at others designer’s styles, design magazines and, of course, Pinterest. I find inspiration in other people’s art. I love to see the layers of fabrics, lighting, and furniture. I really try to focus on providing a store that has pieces that would finish a space. The piece that people ask, “where did you get that!” I never want my store to be linear in just one style. The homes that I tend to fall in love with have pieces from every genre of interior design (i.e., modern, mid=-century, French antique, English antique, etc.).
I would say that we are known for trying to offer unique pieces for a fair price. Also, our candles. I am obsessed with the exotic and rare blends of candles. I mean, everyone can do vanilla, but what about smoked vanilla? Vanilla with orange blossom and sandalwood?
The element that I strive for is great customer service. I want people to enjoy their leisure time shopping and relaxing. I want them to feel like they are walking into my home and being greeted warmly and genuinely. It’s amazing how quickly customers open up and become friends and regulars. Even if people don’t buy anything, they will make a point to stop in and say hi. I think that’s the greatest compliment.
Is our city a good place to do what you do?
I think our location, downtown McKinney, is a great place to have a business. We have so many stores that it brings a lot of foot traffic to our area. I would recommend this area as a place to start out. I feel like the rent is a fair ratio to the foot traffic. One of the things I love about downtown is the quality of businesses down here. I rarely see a business that opens up and does a lackluster job. Those who do or have bad customer service usually don’t last long. I would recommend if someone is looking to open a business to make sure their passion is in it and they have a good attitude. If you don’t, you’ll succumb to the pressure of owning a business.
Contact Info:
- Address: 205 N Kentucky Street
McKinney, TX 75069 - Website: www.petalsandvinedesign.com
- Phone: 214-585-0600
- Email: petalsandvinedesign@hotmail.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Petals-Vine-Design-69883398566/
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.
