Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Hanks.
Hi Lori, 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 loved antiques and decorating. My husband and I moved back to Nashville in 2017 and I was looking for a new career. I had been working in ecommerce and I wanted something I could express more of my creativity in. I stumbled across a business listing for the antique mall and I was hooked.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It definitely has not been a smooth road. When I purchased the mall, the POS system was still using a dot matrix printer. I began first by getting to know the dealers and then pretty quickly, began work on updating systems, creating a website and building a presence on social media.
We were really beginning to make headway and then came COVID. We had to close the mall for weeks and we just weren’t sure if we would be able to survive that. Fortunately, not only did our dealers stick with us but our customers did too! When we opened our doors again, our faithful customers came back and they brought their friends.
It was most definitely touch and go there for those first few years, but because of the support we have had from the community, we are still here and not only going strong but growing. This mall has been a part of the community since 1996 and I think that says a lot for a small business.
Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Rare Bird Antiques is an antique mall located in Goodlettsville, TN. We’re just 20 minutes north of downtown Nashville. The mall first opened it’s doors in 1996. With a little over 10,000 square feet, the mall is packed full of vintage and antique finds.
Our customers cover all ages and many different economic levels and come from all over the country. We love it when we have customers tell us they make it a point to shop here every time they visit Nashville. From country music royalty to your next door neighbor, you never know who you’ll be rubbing elbows with while shopping.
We are known for the quality of our merchandise, fair pricing and great customer service.
We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Success to me is about more than the bottom line. Of course, being in the black is important but at the end of the day, money is not everything. Success to me is more personal. It is about accomplishing the goals I have set. It is about being proud of the work that I have done. It is about asking the questions “Have I done my absolute best?” and “Am I happy?” If I have not mastered the goal, I am not proud of the work, I have not done my best and I am not happy, then I can not be successful. I believe you have to love what you do in order to be successful and I really love what I do!
Contact Info:
- Website: https://rarebirdantiques.com/
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/rarebirdantiques/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/rarebirdantiquemall/
