Check Out Lori Bryan’s Story

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lori Bryan.

Hi Lori, 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. 
I opened my first brick-and-mortar store 15 years ago in Lake Orion. Prior to that, I was a medical insurance claim adjuster for about 20 years. I was also a stay-at-home mom of 4 off and on during those years. I was working part-time at home processing claims when I was laid off. I told several friends that I needed to find another job, and I knew that it was going to be difficult to find anything as flexible as what I had been doing. Working at home wasn’t really a thing back then! 

I had always loved interior design and DIY projects. And garage sales. All 3 worked hand in hand, and I spent most of my free time doing just that. When my kids were young, we would spend Thursdays and Fridays during the summer in the car. I would give them each a few dollars to spend. Whoever could read would have the binoculars to spot garage sale signs. 

To be honest, I really HATED processing insurance claims at home. My family also hated me processing claims at home. I was always angry and always working. When my friends suggested that I open my own home decor business instead, I was dumbfounded. That thought had never crossed my mind. I didn’t know the first thing about running a business. I had never even worked in a retail business. The more I thought about it, the more I liked the idea, though. My husband is a self-employed contractor. I thought if he could do it, then I could surely do it! My final decision was made when I was watching Joyce Meyer on TV. She was preaching about taking a step of faith. I felt like she was speaking directly to me when she said, “How are you ever going to know what you are supposed to be doing if you don’t try? If you fail, so what? Try something else.” 

There was a small space for rent in downtown Lake Orion where we lived at the time. I rented it, stocked it with my painted vintage furniture and small treasures I had found at garage sales and flea markets. My eldest son was in college at the time, and my daughter Kara who still is very involved in the business, was in high school. They were my first employees. 

It took me a while to find the right spot, but I am now the proud owner of an 1843 carding mill where I have been for the last 7 years of this journey. 

I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
NO!!! As I said, I had no idea what I was doing. I thought that I would open my doors, and the people would flock in. There is SO much to learn about advertising, pricing, budgets, inventory; you name it! Plus, whatever you DO figure out, changes. You never quit learning. 

Social media didn’t even exist in 2008 when I opened. So much to learn as that has evolved. Kara has taken that over completely for me. 

Also, I opened my business during a recession. Learning to navigate that. We survived COVID and are still trying to navigate all of the changes that has brought. 

Learning to delegate and step back is essential for growth and incredibly difficult for a business owner who has such an emotional attachment to their business. 

I had no idea I would need to be an account, lawyer, etc…in addition to just being the creative person. Knowing and finding the right people to help in all of these challenges is something that I never even thought about either. 

As you know, we’re big fans of you and your work. For our readers who might not be as familiar, what can you tell them about what you do?
I started my home decor business selling just vintage wares and handcrafted items. 

I realized that I needed to have a broader mix of inventory to appeal to who my target market was. (Another thing I knew nothing about…a target market). I brought in “new” pieces, wholesale items to add to my vintage pieces. 

I found that I had a knack for mixing all kinds of different decor together and staging my items together. Customers tell me that they love coming into my shop for inspiration. They love my design tips and my “flair” for keeping the store fresh and trendy. 

How do you define success?
This is a great question and one that I have actually been asking myself lately. We are conditioned to think of success in terms of how much money and recognition we have. 

My daughter, Erin, child number 3, recently got married. I was speaking with a longtime friend at the wedding. She said to me that I should be very proud of myself for all of the success I have achieved. I told her that I didn’t feel successful at all. I had been in business for 15 years, and so many people have been in the same business a much shorter amount of time with far greater success. My friend said, “So what? You have a great marriage, 4 kids who are very kind and caring, 2 with wonderful families, all doing very well in life. You have a nice home, a business you enjoy; what more can you ask for?” She was right. THIS is how I should be defining success. Life is not a competition. 

Contact Info:

• Website: chicantiquesmarket.com
• Instagram: chicantiquesmarket
• Facebook: Chic Antiques Market
• Other: Chic Antiques Market on Pinterest

Image Credits
Jennifer Grant Photography