Today we’d like to introduce you to Amanda Mathiowetz.
Hi Amanda, we’d love for you to start by introducing yourself.
The business of Overjoyed grew out of a model I had watched my mother perfect. She had an “occasional store” and was open nine months out of the year for only one weekend each month. The idea was simple: change the shop each month to reflect seasonal changes but also to show customers how to use and restyle the pieces they already have.
After working and staging in Mom’s shop for ten years and a part-time position for our local floral shop “staging” and flipping seasonal vignettes, I knew I was equipped to open my own shop.
Overjoyed: Old Finds, New Designs was born in September 2022.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
Some challenges I’ve faced are getting my customers and community to understand and accept my business model.
Most people don’t understand the time and detail it takes to create a well-curated space. And finding all the treasures that make the shop a one-of-a-kind shopping experience takes time and a careful eye. Because I’m only open a limited amount of time, I can change and refresh the shop in between openings.
And I am first and foremost a Mother. I have the luxury of putting the business on hold when I need to be there for my family. That was a very intentional piece of the business puzzle.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
Overjoyed is a shop that is curated with love, thoughtfulness, and detail. I make spaces feel cozy and balanced. I design vignettes that are esthetically pleasing to the eye. I give ideas to my customers on how they can reuse what they love in their homes but make it feel new and refreshed.
I love being a problem-solver for my customers. They often come in with a picture of a wall in their home or an empty mantle and I “fill their cart” with ideas, options, and confidence
I pride myself on customer service. The business has been designed so I am able to be on the floor greeting and helping each visitor, not behind the register. This is a huge credit to my incredible team working at Overjoyed. They are my friends and family. They bring kindness, professionalism, and fun to the shop. They keep me sane and calm! I value their opinions and often ask them to share their ideas on how Overjoyed can be better.
Where we are in life is often partly because of others. Who/what else deserves credit for how your story turned out?
Many people deserve a loud round of applause for their love and support:
Joel, my husband and biggest cheerleader. He often asks “What do you need and how can I help?”
Robin Ledeboer, my Mom. Her quiet teachings over the years have influenced me most. Overjoyed doesn’t exist without my Mom.
Becky Kuglin, a wonderful business owner who trusted me with her floral shop, Blossomtown. She allowed me to play, experiment, and grow with confidence!
Joni (Nieland) Ogdie: A brilliant mentor who taught me (but most importantly showed me) to “just go for it!” Joni is the strongest, smartest, most talented woman I know!
Contact Info:
- Facebook: https://facebook.com/overjoyed
