Today we’d like to introduce you to Larissa Christine.
Hi Larissa, so excited to have you on the platform. So, before we get into questions about your work life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today.
How it started … We sold our first house in 2014 & bought our first farmhouse. With buying a foreclosed home, came many updates. We spent countless hours plumbing, painting, hardwood flooring, carpeting & building an additional bedroom. Once it was complete, we had the best, oldest, and most amazing farmhouse filled with so much character! But there was just one piece missing! A farm table! In 2015, I had no clue what Brad was talking about when he told me he was going to build a farm table. He spent some time in his pole barn, and the next thing I knew, he was hauling in a massive table through our very old & small farm door. It was awesome to have so much space for our family, and I fell in love with the style and look and the “charm.” Of course, I boasted about it on social media that Brad built our family one, and we had SO many inquiries regarding it that one of my best friends, who also happened to be a Marketer, pushed me for literally a few years to at the very least, start a business page for it. It could become a hobby or side hustle. After years, I finally listened to her! And I am so glad that I did! In 2019, we started our social media pages, and they started to slowly grow by the month. It was just supposed to be a side hobby we did when Brad got out of work. Suddenly, the pandemic happened, and while unfortunately, several businesses weren’t thriving on the storefront, we were growing rapidly online. Brad was eventually able to quit his job and go full-time. Oddly enough, for the past 15 years before that, he always told me he wanted some way to work from home and to be with us more as all the jobs he’s had, kept him away for long hours, and it was not desirable, being a family man. Farmhouse Charm Shoppe was named with our farmhouses in mind (we’ve had 3 now), Charm came from that very first farm table & Shoppe was added because we wanted an old vintage type vibe as we’ve always sought antique decor.
We’ve managed to continue to grow our business as well as our family. We have 8 children, there is never a dull moment, especially since opening a brick & mortar right before Christmas!
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?
Just like most small businesses, the pandemic had our business very up and down, especially with material costs. We managed to navigate that smoothly with rising costs but fair prices to our consumers. However, it was a challenging time trying to get projects complete without losing.
Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am Larissa, a full-time Mama to 8 little (and big) blessings. I love to come up with new designs for practicality but with a beautiful, unique twist for a one-of-a-kind statement piece. I’ve always been drawn to things that not everyone can get their hands on & thoroughly enjoy interior design, decorating & staging. I also get elbow-deep in all our builds, and you can find me covered in stain & paint on any given day. I am blessed I get to do it all in my everyday life!
Brad has 18+ years of experience in carpentry & woodworking. He is the one that brings both mine & your visions to life! He doesn’t follow any build plans; he makes his own. There isn’t one thing he isn’t capable of, whether that’s woodworking or remodeling. You can find him mainly in the Shoppe or hitting the road for material runs or deliveries, near & far!
So maybe we end on discussing what matters most to you and why?
Originality means the most to us. We thoroughly enjoy being creative and setting ourselves apart from other businesses. We truly pride ourselves on actually coming up with our build plans and hand-building them. Our customers can see their build from start to finish and get to be a part of it every step of the way.
Contact Info:
- Website: FarmhouseCharmShoppe.com
- Instagram: https://instagram.com/farmhousecharmshoppe?igshid=ZDdkNTZiNTM=
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/FarmhouseCharmShoppe?mibextid=ZbWKwL
Image Credits
Holly Clark Photography
Holly June Photography
