Q + A With Black Owned Greenhouse Mercantile
GO FRENCH YOURSELF IS COMMITTED TO CONTINUE AMPLIFYING BLACK VOICES, BLACK CULTURE, AND BLACK BUSINESS OWNERS AND CREATORS.
We support the 15 Percent Pledge asking major retailers across the U.S to commit to buying 15% of their merchandise from Black owned businesses. (take a second to sign the petition) There has been a light shed on how Black content creators are treated as well (paid less, having to turn over triple the deliverables for a “free” press trip, etc.) and I am committed to standing up to that . You can see other things I am doing on my blog too by reading this post here. I shared 20 amazing black creatives that you should follow! Be sure to check out my story highlights as well. I have been sharing so many resources!
MY MAIN POINT IS THAT I STAND FIRMLY AGAINST RACISM AND POLICE BRUTALITY.
Go French Yourself is committed to highlighting and working with more Black owned brands this year and indefinitely!
And today is such an exciting feature with Greenhouse Mercantile located in Newnan, Georgia! Greenhouse Mercantile is a collection of curated goods…a lifestyle store filled with all the things they love. They believe in products that last a lifetime. They support the makers. Greenhouse Mercantile is pro-America. It’s pro-local artists. It’s pro-Fair Trade. It’s products that make a difference and give back…Products that you can buy and be proud of. It is a sanctuary for people that seek out the un-ordinary. It is a reminder to people that past objects should never be forgotten. It is proof that prayer and faith work. It is a feeling…
-What is Greenhouse Mercantile?!
Greenhouse Mercantile is a lifestyle store and I would describe as a collection of curated goods and vintage clothing.
-Did you always have the desire to be a shop owner or did it come later for you?
Absolutely not! Actually, I am a teacher by profession. But I only stayed in the education field for about one year. God bless educators!
-What are your other passions in life?
Plants! I actually got involved in taking care of them during quarantine. They provide such a sense of peace and stability for me.
-When you first started the shop, were you selling the same type of products as today or has that evolved?
No, there is definitely an evolution that has taken place. I started out with more consignment items, and now I am really focusing my energy on American made products, locally made items, and fair trade merchandise.
-What kind of feeling are you trying to capture within your shop?
Literally everyone that comes into the shop has the same reaction. “Omg! I love it here!”
I always want my shop to feel like you just walked in to a great friend’s home. I love it to feel calm and peaceful yet organized and intentional. I feel like I accomplish this by providing great aromas through our incense, candles and our music selections.
-What is one of your favorite memories involving Greenhouse Mercantile?
I think it was probably the first time my daughter walked into the space. I wanted her to see that women, especially women of color, can accomplish anything that they set their minds to. I had such a sense of pride that day.
-Do you have a few favorite products from your store?
Absolutely! We love our Adjourn Teahouse teas, our portrait coffee, locally roasted in Atlanta, and of course, our Sydney Hale Candles! Everything you need for a great self-care Sunday!
-Any personal everyday essentials from Greenhouse Mercantile?
I think that everyone should light and incense every morning. It just provides a sense of calm and release before you start your day.
-What are some fan-favorite products?
Customers absolutely adore various variety of sustainable and zero-waste products! From our bamboo toothbrushes to our lip butters to cleaning products, we try to provide customers with items that not only make their lives easier, but a little more sustainable in the process.
-What brings you the most joy in your line of work?
Besides the blessing of being able to walk into my shop every morning, the customers are absolutely hands-down my favorite part of having a small business. Seeing someone come in and walk out with the exact thing that they were looking for or seeing a customer purchase a piece of vintage clothing that looks like it was specifically made for them…There is no other feeling like it!
-What music can people usually hear playing in the shop?
Wow! Talk about a wide range of music! They can expect to hear anything pop, alternative R&B, a little BB King, some Neo-Soul, and maybe even a little rock ‘n’ roll!
-What’s next in store for Greenhouse Mercantile?
My sole purpose in life is not just to have a shop. I realized that a little while ago. In my heart of hearts, I would love to be able to start a grant program for other woman-owned small business owners. Because after all, if you can’t give back, what is it really all for?
Discover more with the link below!
