Hidden Gems: Meet Cindi Simmons of Paisley Moon Mercantile

Today we’d like to introduce you to Cindi Simmons

Cindi, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Paisley Moon Mercantile was actually created on the spur of the moment, we didn’t plan on opening a store. The name originated from my painting company, Paisley Painting LLC. It all started when I visited the antique store that was previously here, hoping to sell a couple of antique bird plaques. The antique store owner told me she would be marking everything half off and moving out in two weeks. I went right into Greenville Floral and asked them if I could rent the space.

What makes Paisley Moon Mercantile truly unique is the variety of vendors we have. It feels amazing knowing we can provide an outlet for them to display and sell their items. Their items fill up the shop with an incredible array of items, alongside my macramé, my mom’s sewing and my daughter’s crocheting. This creates a one-of-a-kind shopping experience.

I also enjoy thrifting and shopping wholesale. We carry used and new clothing, unique imported instruments and perfumes. We also have mushroom coffee, locally made honey and celtic sea salt that keeps customers coming back.

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?
One of our biggest challenges has been the lack of foot traffic in downtown Greenville. Since the original Meijer relocated to the other side of town, the focus of the community has shifted away from the downtown area.

We’ve been exploring the idea of launching an online store to expand our reach to customers. However, there’s a lot more that goes into it than what most people think. Instead of a website for now, to shop online we created a Depop page which we will be adding more to soon!

Since this was a spur of the moment thing, I didn’t have any experience owning a storefront. We’re all still learning, but slowly we’ve figured out the dos and don’ts of running a store.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know?
Paisley Moon Mercantile was founded with the idea of showcasing and selling the crafts we once brought to local markets. We’ve expanded this to include local crafters and vendors, providing them with the opportunity to bring in a wide variety of goods–whether handmade, vintage, second-hand or unique finds. This has truly created a special and distinctive space where customers can discover one-of-a-kind treasures.

I have been a waitress in Greenville for a long time and still am part time at the Halfway Diner, so most of my costumers are familiar faces. I enjoy talking to everyone who comes in, it doesn’t even feel like work most of the time when I’m here.

This venture also allowed me to create a meaningful job for my daughter–something I dreamed of having at her age. She now has the chance to work in a creative environment, spending her time crocheting while managing the store. She also took a couple college classes about graphic design, which she uses her knowledge from and runs our social media pages, we mainly use Facebook, but have an Instagram as well. Even if you can’t come in to support us, a like and a follow goes a long ways! Along with my daughter working here, my mother comes and helps out a lot, too.

What does success mean to you?
I believe success is not defined by how much money you earn, but by how much fulfillment you find in what you do. It’s incredibly rewarding to know that Paisley Moon Mercantile serves as a creative outlet and source of additional income for so many local artists and vendors. Additionally, our mushroom coffee and celtic sea salt has become another way we can make a positive impact to our community, offering health benefits to those who enjoy it.

Contact Info:

• Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/paisleymoonmercantile/
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089873137270
• Yelp: https://www.yelp.com/biz/paisley-moon-mercantile-greenville
• Other: https://www.depop.com/paisleymoonmercantile/