08/22/2026
Memories are like little reminders that help make us who we are. I wanna share a memory from when I was young and had just started here. I was around 19. I had a best friend named Roy, and he worked here. He asked one night while we were all hanging out with friends, "Wanna job?" and I was like, "Yes!" The next week, I filled out an application and got hired. That was in 2002. I was young and didn't know much. I walked into work on my first day, and not only did I have one boss, I had three! All three were guys! I was so nervous! A young 19-year-old girl with three guy bosses watching me—can you imagine? Haha! Willie Stroope, Joe Stroope, and Stephen Stroope. Months went by. I think I had been there six months, and I got into a car wreck. I broke my collarbone and my thumb. I didn't have a ride. The doctor said I couldn't go back to work for at least two months to let my collarbone heal. These awesome guys kept my job for me! They didn't fire me or let me go; they let me keep my job! I was so super grateful. When I came back, I worked hard, kept to myself, and learned. I watched them over the years, learned from them, and grew to love them like family. They were the best bosses. I went through my young, wild phases of life, learning and dealing with stuff. They watched me get married; they watched me grow; they watched me become a young woman. They taught me so much about work, patience, love, understanding, and compassion. They'd pay for my missed day if I had a funeral to go to. Towards the end, Willie passed away, Joe retired, and Steve was tired. He was running it by himself with Betsy by his side, and he was exhausted. My mom passed away, and it was the hardest thing I ever had to deal with. They paid for my days off, but I kept working and giving them my all. I was the main decorator by then and manager. Steve one day offered me a deal I couldn't say no to. They could sell to someone outside the business, but everything would've changed. So I said yes. In 2020, we signed the papers and got the key! After 18 years of my life with them, this was a huge turning point for me. I'm here today with my husband, and we try our best to keep their memories alive—their legacy, their name. We're not perfect owners; we mess up. We've had trials and errors, learning and growing, and offering new stuff and keeping old stuff. I hope to serve you guys for many more years. We're almost at the 100th mark, and Steve always told me, "You'll be the one to make it to the 100th year. Make it count." So this is for you, Steve! Two more years! Thanks to all the customers in and out of town that have and still are supporting us! We could never have done this without God, the Stroope family, or you guys! THANK YOU ALL!
Grace and love goes a long ways!
