So I guess turning 59 has me reflecting on the stage I am in my life and I thought I would share my little story to show that life in your 50s can be the beginning of a completely new chapter… And an unexpected one at that. In my 50th year, I attended the 50th birthdays of two of my best friends from Duke University… As a thank you for coming to their birthday weekend they brought a dear friend of theirs Rev. Catherine Paretti, a life coach and somebody who has incredible intuition about people and life.
We all had a chance to visit with Rev. Catherine for one hour … It was in my visit with Rev. Catherine that my life took an amazing turn and began the creation of Hearth and Soul, a hospitality at retail concept that is now in its ninth year. After a brief conversation about what makes me happy and brings me fulfillment. Rev. Catherine said “I see a storefront in your future. I see a place called the kitchen”, and then my hour was over.
I think it was the symbol of the kitchen that started my vision of the home and then I asked everybody there, the women gathered for the weekend, what feeds your soul, what makes you happy and it was the answer to that question that began to find its way into the Hearth and Soul concept. One friend loved gathering over a glass of wine with friends an experience that could take place in our living room. Somebody loved entertaining in their home which comes to life through our events and through our curated collection of finishing touches, table top and barware. Somebody else loved interior design, an offering we bring to life through our collections of furniture, lighting and accessories present throughout our homelike setting. Another friend mentioned that perfect piece of jewelry or perfect outfit to bring them confidence and joy, certainly offerings that are offered in our women’s closet. Someone else loved art which we deliver through art hung on the walls of our home and through our artist partnerships.
Somebody who loves fitness could enjoy our fitness partnerships. Somebody who loves floral design could attend one of our floral workshops, Somebody who loves to put a candle at their bath side to bring comfort and relaxation could come and shop our amazing collection of candles and bath products. You can see how the story unfolds.
It is amazing to constantly find ways to feed the souls of others whether it be through unique finds or experiences. As I am on the brink of turning 60, I wonder what is next… Hearth and Soul brings me incredible joy each, and every day, making other peoples' day and connecting friends in the community with old friends and new. It truly feeds my soul… New doors can open around any corner… You just have to be willing to hear them, see them and step through them.
Cheers!
Susie