A Guest Post from Molly

I was so honored that Rachel, my sister-in-love, asked me to write a guest post for The Wreath Stand. She basically gave me freedom to write whatever, so long as it wasn’t too preachy. After a lot of thought, I decided to write about her. Maybe she won’t post this, but she should. I’d like to share with you what I see in “the woman behind The Wreath Stand.” 

Molly & Rachel at The Southern Women's Show, 2015 

First off, she’d be quick to tell you that there are lots of women (and men) behind the success of this weekend venture that became a brick and mortar shop. She is always quick to share praise, and like all good Southern women, can gracefully deflect a compliment and move right on to the next topic of conversation. She did this last week when I stopped to spend the night at her house. We were talking, and I mentioned to her that I was so proud of how hard she has worked to make her dream a reality. It was then that I learned The Wreath Stand has not necessarily been a grand, lifelong dream. Rachel said, “If you had asked me five years ago what I would be doing today, I wouldn’t have said ‘running my own business.” Lots of people tell them (Jay and Rachel) that they are living the dream (and in some ways they are), but the reality is that it is also a tremendous amount of hard work. 

This is where you come in. All of you loyal faithful customers are the reason they keep going! I love watching Rachel (and Joy and Michelle) interact with you when you come in the store. You have built relationships, and that’s the anchor that holds The Wreath Stand in place. One of my favorite stories in the Bible is that of Nehemiah rebuilding the wall. He doesn’t do it alone. He exudes a passion and a joy for fulfilling a purpose that is contagious. Take a look at Nehemiah 3 and read about all those who joined in the work because Nehemiah inspired them. 

I think about all the work that has gone into building The Wreath Stand and what it means to people. I know how hard it is for folks to have to stay home right now because some of them have told me, “I go to The Wreath Stand when I need to feel better about the world.” That isn’t a result of pretty things (although there are a lot of pretty things). That is a result of people who exude joy. The Wreath Stand is a place where you will find joy on pillows, in scented candles, and surrounding you as employees disguised as family. My sister-in-love is the heart and soul of that. 

During this season of uncertainty and waiting at home, know this: You can still get your dose of The Wreath Stand online, and the doors will open to welcome you home as soon as it is safe for all to do so! 

--Molly