We’re looking forward to introducing you to Erin Fennell. Check out our conversation below.
Erin, so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What do you think others are secretly struggling with—but never say?
I think many people are quietly struggling with loneliness. In a world shaped by social media—where everything looks effortless and everyone seems to have it all together—it’s easy to feel like you’re the only one who doesn’t measure up. Vulnerability, which is so essential for real connection, often feels out of place in a culture that prizes perfection. Sharing our struggles means revealing what’s behind the polished image, and that can feel risky. So instead, people withdraw. When you don’t feel “perfect,” it’s natural to step back from a world that seems to celebrate only the highlights.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My name is Erin Fennell, and nearly four years ago I founded Refined Boutique in Smithville, Tennessee. Refined Boutique is Tennessee’s destination for one-of-a-kind refurbished furniture, thoughtfully curated vintage décor, and a modern gift collection sourced from small businesses across the U.S. What makes us unique is our ability to blend modern style with timeless vintage character—creating a refined yet approachable shopping experience you won’t find anywhere else. Our mission is to showcase the beauty, craftsmanship, and sustainability of vintage pieces in a curated, high-end setting—all while keeping our prices accessible.
Appreciate your sharing that. Let’s talk about your life, growing up and some of topics and learnings around that. Who taught you the most about work?
This question is difficult to answer from the perspective of just one person, because the truth is, I’ve learned the most about work from many remarkable women throughout my life. The women around me—friends, mentors, and family—taught me not only the value of hard work, but also the delicate art of balance. Watching them navigate careers, raise children, and still manage to find joy and purpose along the way showed me that it’s possible to pursue both ambition and family with grace.
Balancing a demanding career and motherhood is no small feat. During my years working as a nurse practitioner in oncology, I often looked to these women for inspiration. They modeled resilience, empathy, and strength—showing me that success doesn’t come from doing it all perfectly, but from showing up fully in every role you play. Their influence helped me see that I didn’t have to choose between professional fulfillment and being present for my family.
Now that my children are grown—happy, independent, and thriving—I feel immense gratitude for the women who showed me what was possible. Because of their example, I was able to work hard, raise a family, and now, enter what I like to call my “career renaissance” with Refined Boutique. This next chapter feels like a celebration of everything they taught me: that with heart, perseverance, and purpose, you can create a life that’s both meaningful and beautifully balanced.
If you could say one kind thing to your younger self, what would it be?
I would tell my younger self that it’s completely okay to fail—and that failure isn’t something to fear, but something to learn from. Every time you take a risk or step into something new, you’re growing into the person you’re meant to become. Give yourself the grace to try, to stumble, and to start again. The moments that don’t go as planned often teach you the most about who you are and what truly matters. And above all, stay true to yourself—not the version of you that others expect or want you to be, but the one that feels genuine and grounded deep within. Your worth isn’t defined by perfection or approval, but by your willingness to keep showing up as your authentic self.
Alright, so if you are open to it, let’s explore some philosophical questions that touch on your values and worldview. What would your closest friends say really matters to you?
Showing up—truly and consistently—matters most to me. I believe that being present for the people in your life speaks volumes. It’s one thing to say you care, but it’s another to actually show up when it counts. Whether it’s celebrating someone’s joy, standing beside them in hard times, or simply keeping your word, presence is what builds real trust and connection.
It’s not always easy—life pulls us in a hundred directions, and everyone is managing their own challenges—but choosing to show up anyway is where genuine relationships are formed. To me, the strongest value in any relationship, whether it’s with friends, family, or even customers, lies in following through: meaning what you say and doing what you promise. Consistency, reliability, and care—those are the quiet actions that speak the loudest about what truly matters.
Before we go, we’d love to hear your thoughts on some longer-run, legacy type questions. If you laid down your name, role, and possessions—what would remain?
This question truly strikes a deep chord with me because, like so many others, I’ve spent much of my life defining my worth through external measures—my title, my career, and the things I’ve accomplished or acquired. For years, my identity was tightly intertwined with my role as a Nurse Practitioner in oncology. It was a position that carried meaning, responsibility, and a sense of purpose, and for a long time, I believed it was who I was, not just what I did.
When I began the transition from healthcare into business ownership, that sense of identity was shaken. For about two years, I straddled both worlds—caring for patients while also building Refined Boutique—because I wasn’t quite ready to let go of the role that had defined me for decades. Stepping away from that chapter was not easy. There was a sense of loss, even grief, as I questioned who I was without the professional title that had shaped so much of my life.
But through that process, I began to see something beautiful: we are not bound by any single title or phase in life. Our identities are not fixed—they evolve, stretch, and take new shape as we do. Letting go of my old role allowed me to rediscover parts of myself I hadn’t nurtured in years—my creativity, my entrepreneurial spirit, and my love of building something meaningful from the ground up.
Now, when I reflect on who I am beyond my name, my career, or my possessions, I think about the deeper values that remain when all the labels are stripped away. I hope that what endures is a life marked by compassion, integrity, and faith. And ultimately, when all is said and done, I would hope to hear the words, “Well done, my good and faithful servant.” Because that, to me, is the truest reflection of a life well-lived—one rooted not in what we do or own, but in how we love, serve, and persevere.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.refined-boutique.com
- Instagram: @refinedtn
- Facebook: @refinedsmithvilletn
Image Credits
Kelsey Pyles
