We recently connected with Sarah Vining and have shared our conversation below.

Sarah , thanks for taking the time to share your stories with us today We’d love to have you retell us the story behind how you came up with the idea for your business, I think our audience would really enjoy hearing the backstory.

I started The Hickory Post because I wanted a place to paint outside my home. I had devoted the previous 8 years of my life to starting a family, and with two young children at home, there was not room for my creative outlet.

I reached out to people on social media asking if anyone has an extra space to rent and heard from a friend who had a lease on a building her business had outgrown. The previous month, I received a raise at my job of $500 a month. Although her rent was significantly higher, my friend graciously agreed to take my offer of $500 a month to rent her small commercial space. Turns out, to rent a commercial building, you have to own a business… who knew? In a since, you could say the city of Rock Hill forced me to start my business, and I’m forever grateful.

I moved into the building and started to paint. I reached out to other artists to gage interest in sharing the space. Let’s just say, they were uninspired. I started selling my work, as well as thrifted art, furniture and accessories to subsidize the rent. Community members found out that I was taking items on consignment and asked if I would sell the items they no longer needed. Before I knew it, The Hickory Post grew into a full fledged consignment store.

I have always dreamt of owning my own business and having autonomy over my daily life. My home has been forever a mix of old and new, and I have enjoyed helping friends and family beautify their spaces. My first location allowed me to show customers how to incorporate all styles of design at all levels of price. It is my hope that my customers understand no matter their budget, our team will help them find objects that will make them feel great in the space they live.

Sarah , love having you share your insights with us. Before we ask you more questions, maybe you can take a moment to introduce yourself to our readers who might have missed our earlier conversations?

My name is Sarah Vining and I am a native of Rock Hill, SC. I see potential in everything and help others feel safe and comfortable in the space they are in. I believe interior spaces directly influence how we feel, and I am passionate about helping others feel great in their home, despite their budget.

The Hickory Post is a furniture and art gallery dedicated to providing accessible art and design for all. The curated store features one of a kind artwork, furniture, gifts and home accessories that will make your house a home. Our pieces are hand selected focusing on quality, authenticity and affordability. We love design and stay up on the most recent trends as well as incorporating gems from the past. The Hickory Post strives to help you create a strong home that will tell a collected story full of meaningful treasures. Our inventory is ever-changing, and will never look the same each time you visit.

Our store is in downtown Rock Hill, SC at 202 East Main Street. We are open Monday-Sunday and love to help you find the perfect treasure in person. You can also shop online at shopthehickorypost.com!

Can you talk to us about how your funded your business?

My business started very organically and very slowly. I opened in November of 2019 as a passion project. I had a great paying job, and my husband was happy in his career. After my concept was well received by my community, the business began to grow.

Initial funding came from a consignment based strategy and limiting spending. I focused on being about to pay my fixed expenses, and would take a commission on each item sold. For 2 years, my business was extremely cash based, with the assistance of a business credit card that was paid off every month.

I am constantly learning about my business and I love seeking advice from others. I joined a group called Entrepreneur Organization Accelerator. I was paired with a coach and other entrepreneurs in a similar position in their own businesses. I am so grateful that after 2 years of stressing about cash flow, my coach encouraged me to get a loan and a line of credit. I applied for an SBA loan, and received funding within a week. I also received a line of credit through my bank. Now, I can sleep at night knowing I have a safety net if I need it. I can also purchase wholesale items with this capital, which allows me to keep the money I make, vs paying consignees.

How did you build your audience on social media?

Instagram is a huge part of my business! My best advice for people marketing on social media is to be authentic. I have never tried to be someone I’m not. I don’t get caught up in the current fad of the moment, and try to maintain focus on the reason we are in business, instead of on gimmicks. I do think my audience responds in a positive way to this deliberate authentic marketing strategy. I also try to be funny.

Contact Info:

• Website: thehickorypost.com
• Instagram: thehickorypost
• Facebook: thehickorypost

Image Credits
I have rights to the images.
Rebecca Jacobs (Headshot)