We’re excited to introduce you to the always interesting and insightful Terrie Moore. We hope you’ll enjoy our conversation with Terrie below.

Terrie, thanks for joining us, excited to have you contributing your stories and insights. Some of the most interesting parts of our journey emerge from areas where we believe something that most people in our industry do not – do you have something like that?

I believe you don’t have to ‘sell’ someone something every time they come in. I welcome people into my shop like I would welcome them into my home—making the experience inspiring and enjoyable. That way they want to come again and again. Our shop is small and inventory is always changing and often one of a kind—having customers feel comfortable coming often is the key to our success.
‘Inspire them and they will come’

Great, appreciate you sharing that with us. Before we ask you to share more of your insights, can you take a moment to introduce yourself and how you got to where you are today to our readers

I opened the original Wildflowers, an antique and garden boutique, in 2000. My husband, GR Moore, and I have 4 kids and they were 2, 4, 9 and 14 years old. At the end of my first year, my once straight A student daughter had earned 3 F’s. I knew I needed to close shop and refocus on my family. I promised myself I would reopen when our youngest got older. Surrounded by the support and help of my husband and kids, that day came on January 17, 2017.
I have a deep love and appreciation for all things antique and vintage. I like that old things are made for generations of use. My grandmother taught me the beauty of silver, glass and linen. She was a true artist sewing impeccable outfits, redoing lampshades, making jewerly and always tending an amazing garden. You won’t find plastic or one use items in my shop. I love things that serve many purposes, work hard and take the abuse of living with kids and pets. I embrace the imperfect and see beauty in simplicity. I see plants like art for the home. I’m proud of the makers and creatives we carry in the shop—hand made pottery, jewelry and self care products all locally made by amazing artisans.
We did set up a website during the COVID shutdown to offer delivery and curbside pickup but we don’t ship. We want people to come in and experience shopping the Wildflowers way—relaxing scents in the air, upbeat music playing and displays that inspire imagination and delight the soul, all while sipping basil water. I’m a ‘last minute’ person so offering free gorgeous gift wrapping.
One day while talking to an artist friend, I remarked how cool it must be to be creative and make art. She remarked ‘you are an artist and your shop is your art’. Yes, yes it is.

Are there any books, videos, essays or other resources that have significantly impacted your management and entrepreneurial thinking and philosophy?

I love learning and growing! I listen to podcast that inspire and inform. A few of my favorites are ‘A Slight Change of Plans’ with Maya Shankar, ‘How I Built This’ with Guy Raz and ‘Details Matter’ from Jenni Kayne. Hearing other people’s stories, their struggles and triumphs, helps me be less afraid of being wrong and taking chances. Some of my favorite audiobooks are ‘You Are A BadAss’ by Jen Sincero, ‘Wolfpack’ by Abby Wambach and ‘Untamed’ by Glennon Doyle—these are definitely a must listen!! I travel 6-8 hours every week so audiobooks are a must! ‘Grit’ by Angela Duckworth is my latest listen.
I also love autobiographies! From Anthony Bourdain to Will Smith —hearing other people’s stories inspires me to keep going and look at challenges as simply problems to solve.

What’s a lesson you had to unlearn and what’s the backstory?

When I opened in 2017, my husband had already had his business for over 33 years. He was offering advice and direction to help me avoid making mistakes. One day, I responded with “let me do it myself! Let me make my own mistakes!” So he did. He kindly gave me that space to make decisions myself, to navigate being a business owner and making decisions. Yes, I made a lot of mistakes but after time I got better. After time, I wanted his advice, I wanted his guidance—and I was able to accept it because I felt confident. I had to unlearn that accepting help is a weakness. Accepting help is a privilege and blessing.

Contact Info:

• Website: Tmwildflowers.com
• Instagram: @tmwildflowers
• Facebook: Tmwildflowers

Image Credits
Lillian Jean Photography Shop pictures by Terrie Moore