Today we’d like to introduce you to Joanne Steely.
Hi Joanne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
I’ve always wanted to have my own shop. When I was a teenager my best friend’s mother had a yarn shop and during the summers we had to do inventory for her, it was tedious work, but it helped me to learn how a business worked. Later on, I worked and managed another yarn shop and loved it. So, after kids, college and working in healthcare I got to the point of retiring. I wanted something to keep my identity after retiring. I worked in an antique mall and that was the deciding factor, I felt like I found my niche. After many booths in different places after that. I could not find a place to put my things, so I started looking for a space of my own. The property that we are at came open and I felt the vibe again. So, I made some calls even though quite a few of my friends said I would never fill the space. And within 2 weeks we did a soft opening. Now we have 30 vendors, that feel the great vibe once you walk thru the doors. We opened in October of 25 and The Shops at 1929 came alive and we are still adding and expanding today.
We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
There have not been too many struggles along the way, we have made a smooth transition. I have a vision for the space and we are almost there.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
I started out my journey from wanting to be a veterinarian. But life got in the way, got married early in life and had kids. Life changed and divorce. Life changed and I worked in many veterinary practices for 25 years. I left the veterinary career to work in healthcare as a medical biller / collector. I did some collection work independently for a short time. I attended college and received a degree in medical billing and coding. After my AA degree I continued on to get a bachelor’s degree in sociology with an emphasis in social work, I thought about going into social work in the schools. Went back to the medical billing until I retired in January 2026
Let’s talk about our city – what do you love? What do you not love?
I love living in White House it feels like home. I grew up in Northern California in a small town similar to White House. I’ve been in and out of White House for many years as my sister lived here and I came to visit to unwind from the stress in California. So, when my brother passed, I inherited his home it was a natural move for my husband and I. I’m not enjoying the growth in White House, too many fast-food restaurants and too many apartment bldgs . But growth is a part of moving forward.
Contact Info:
- Facebook: The Shops At 1829
