Mothers and Daughters in Business

In this issue, we’re celebrating the amazing mother-daughter teams behind some of our favorite local businesses. We asked them two questions: What does it mean to run a business together as mother and daughter? And what’s one lesson you’ve learned from each other along the way? Their answers offer a real look at what it’s like to grow a business—and a bond—together.

Olivia and Sam, Custom Outdoor Furniture (photo in Asana)

Olivia: Working with Mom has proven to be the biggest blessing for my career and personal life. I’ve always said Mom has taught me to “kill them with kindness.” In a more professional setting, she has taught me the importance of customer service and leaning into my strengths here at the store. We knew that my job description would be different, and she’s been supportive of figuring out what makes me happy from the start. People often ask, “How do you work with your mom?” and I have to tell them that our relationship is different than most, and I’m so blessed to have her.

Sam: Running our business with my daughter is such a blessing! I have been called to carry on my Father’s legacy, and it means the world to me that my daughter has stepped in as the 3rd generation to carry this forward into the future. I am thankful to be able to work with my daughter and to see her every day. Many mothers don’t have that opportunity! Olivia has taught me so much about life from the day she was born, with her strong self-confidence! And now that she helps run this business, I’ve found that she is more intelligent and knowledgeable than I ever imagined. To say I am proud is an understatement! Now that she is a new mother, I also have the privilege of watching my granddaughter grow up and seeing my daughter in a whole new light!

Angela and Beverly, Finders Keepers Consignment (photo in Asana)

Angela: We have a very busy shop, with lots of consignment appointments and inventory to add to our floor most days. It’s exciting and can sometimes be overwhelming. My mom is such a close friend that it’s like we are in the trenches together. We have a rhythm that makes work fun! And I genuinely respect my mom’s experience and wisdom as we tackle the challenges of building and growing Finders Keepers. When I joined my mom at Finders Keepers, my prior career had been solely in the restaurant business. She had already created this successful consignment business and taught me everything from the ground up! She made it so easy for me to step in alongside her, and I’ve never looked back. We trust each other, and we have each other’s backs. I couldn’t be more fortunate to have this great working relationship with my mom!

Beverly: Angela and I are a great team, and we really enjoy envisioning the shop’s constantly changing layout together. Our vision is to create a very inviting atmosphere that artistically shows off the consignment items in their best light. Together with our incredible staff members, I believe we accomplish that. We crank up oldies music, and along with our customers, we are humming tunes and having fun! What better way to work?! Frankly, I couldn’t be more fortunate than to work alongside Angela in this venture. It has been a real joy to observe Angela exude her strength. Our personalities are very different, and that’s one reason we work so well together, especially as we lead side-by-side. And while Angela is so strong, she also has a great sense of humor! We laugh a whole lot, and that really helps relieve the day-to-day pressures.

Olivia and Wendy, Litchfield Books

Olivia: Owning a bookstore with my mom is such a rewarding and wonderful experience. It had always been a dream of ours to one day either work together or somehow run some type of shop together. Growing up as an only child, I was always very close with my mom. She was a teacher, and oftentimes, she taught at the same school I went to, so we were sort of in the same environment daily. So it was natural for us to work together every day, too. We live just a few minutes away from each other and carpool to work daily. A lot of fun ideas and brainstorming sessions happen on the way to and from our store. I have learned a lot of patience from Wendy. She has been in the working world a lot longer than me, and being so young, I came into business ownership with just a few years’ worth of working experience under my belt. Difficult situations arise, and I have learned how best to react and problem-solve. Working well with others in a business setting is a life skill that is never-ending. As an only child, I had the tendency to “do my own thing” and work independently at times. But I have since learned in these last four years that working with others and sharing the workload is a much better resolve. It is so much fun to share ownership of our beautiful bookstore, and I am so happy I get to spend every day coming in to work alongside my mom, my forever encourager.

Wendy: As Olivia’s mother and mentee, this journey has enabled me to look at things from another person’s perspective. To take a step back, realize there is more than one way of doing things, and get myself out of the way. It’s important to humble myself and just listen. With my eyes, I see how kind Olivia is to our community of readers. With my ears, I hear every detail as Olivia serves with a gentle heart. She has shown me how to give to others with gladness. I believe we encourage each other each new day under the sun to do the Lord’s will at Litchfield Books.

Page and Pat, Rose Arbor Fabrics & Barbara’s Fine Gifts

Page: Mom and I went into business together in August 1994. I purchased Rose Arbor in Myrtle Beach 31 years ago, but it was a complete joint venture. We have been going strong together ever since, even purchasing Barbara’s Fine Gifts from Mrs. Barbara Purdy around 15 years ago. We started our second Rose Arbor location in Pawleys Island 10 years ago. Time sure has flown, and we have worked very hard to keep it all afloat. One thing I have found is that we may see each other every day, but business takes over, and we really have to get out of town to visit with each other and catch up on life. We have a very special bond, and I believe Rose Arbor has kept us close. I am truly grateful for the decision made with the help of my Dad to buy Rose Arbor. He would be so proud of my mom and me and what we have accomplished. Our journey has had many great moments and sad moments, but we have always stuck together. One thing I’ve learned is to always listen to my mom, and for the most part, (hee hee) she is always right!

Pat: I know how special it is to grow together with my daughter and learn from one another. The years have flown by, and I feel extremely fortunate to have shared them with Page.