Aren’t we all chasing our dreams?? One thing I’ve learned is that there’s enough love and business to go around for all of us. And don’t we all love inspiration? -Whether it’s people who make a difference in our lives, those who rise above the pitfalls that seem impossible to beat, the everyday moms and dads, grandparents, and Uncle Joe’s who are changing the world for the better -one child at a time, the folks who donate their precious time to make lives better, and those who inspire our decorating styles and help us make our homes a place of comfort and joy. This begins another dream of mine, to share bits of inspiration when I can. Life is pretty busy and full of ups and downs for all of us, why not share our love and dreams together? I can’t think of a better place to begin this little adventure than a brand new shop right in Scottsville.

I’m totally inspired by Little Dollies. Every single inch of their new huge shop located across from Jack’s Shopping Center is filled with beauty and comfort just begging to come home with you. Elizabeth and her daughter, Melissa operate Little Dollies with some help from Drew Guy, Jennifer Stinson, and Sally Harper, who all seem to have more fun than anything, and the results of their hard work are amazing. The way the shops are arranged is genius. Even though there sooooo many items for our eyes to explore, each small section is separate and it’s easy to see how you could decorate your home from a variety of themes all grouped independently. For someone like me who struggles with being overwhelmed with so many items in a small space, this shop is pretty amazing to spend some time and imagine which items would look awesome in my home. Check out images from Little Dollies and keep scrolling to find out how this dreamy shop came to be.

Little Dollies is actually three separate buildings combined into one stroll through shop.  And they have something for every whim and taste.   Parking is no problem at Little Dollies either.

Need a wreath?  Elizabeth told me that when she decided she needed to add wreaths and saddles to her store, she had never made either before in her life.  She learned by purchasing them, breaking them down, and rebuilding them again and again until she got the hang of how to make them.  Obviously she also has the talent for just seeing what would be beautiful together, but I’m always impressed with folks to just decide they are going to do something, and figure out a way to make it happen.  Elizabeth’s wreaths are gorgeous.

Who doesn’t love the comforts of home, and this shop feels like home from the moment you step in the door and see this antique sofa.

Elizabeth’s forte is the florist area.  She loves it, and when she talks about creating arrangements, bouquets, and finding items to help folks share love, her face lights up.  How did she learn?  The same as before, trial and error, figuring out what works and doesn’t.  And one step inside the florist area of this beautiful shop will tell you that she’s figured it out.  This is a full service florist and they take creating the perfect piece for your needs very seriously.

Elizabeth loves flowers and it shows!!

This collection of Waterford Crystal is stunning!

Keep scrolling, you are still in the florist section, and there’s more decor items to show.  And the story of how Little Dollies came to be is next.

The beginnings of Little Dollies are not long ago.  In 2015, Elizabeth decided to open a booth in the Antique Mall in Scottsville, and loved it.  It did so well and she enjoyed it so much that she opened another one in Smith’s Grove.  Items were selling like hotcakes in both locations and she was driving so much to keep them stocked, that she and Melissa began serious conversations about opening a permanent shop.  Elizabeth’s husband urged her to do it, but she was terrified about all the unknowns.  What if it failed, what if the permanent shop was not as popular as the booths in the Antique Malls?  We’ve all been there.   And doubts hold most people from taking that leap…..

Elizabeth found a spot just off the square by the Pocket Park, and began discussions.  When a rent price was agreed on, she still was hesitant.  It would take a ton out of savings to make a go of this and…. she finally just picked up the phone and committed so she would have to just do it.  That was 2017, and what a year it was.  With the help of Diane Bull and Annette Cornwell, Elizabeth and Melissa achieved their dreams of owning a permanent shop.  It was a hit to say the least.

Fast forward one year, and Little Dollies has moved across from Jack’s Shopping Center, nearly tripled in size, and also offers the full service florist as well.  Elizabeth says the florist was born when they hit the winter months after the Christmas rush and times were slow.  That’s what entrepreneurs do, they figure out what needs tweaking, and go for it.

I keep wanting to call Elizabeth “Dollie” now.  According to both Melissa and Elizabeth, there was a struggle for the right name.  “Rusty Bucket” and several others including “Little Dollies”were thrown around because they both love dolls.  I’m pretty sure Rusty Bucket was about to be the name, but in a last minute decision, just like opening the store itself, Elizabeth changed course and chose “Little Dollies” for the sign – and that was the end of it.

I decorate my home ten times over right inside my head, but nothing every really looks like I imagined.  With Little Dollies, I can see so many possibilities for how items will look grouped together.  If you are like me, that’s a win.

Don’t think you are going to run in and see everything in ten minutes.  Unless you have six independent sets of eyes, it’s not possible.  I’m pretty sure that even Joanna Gaines would be impressed.  There’s SHIPLAP on the back wall.  And it’s beautiful.

Elizabeth waved her hands at the vast collection of home decor you’ve just seen, and said, “This is Melissa’s baby.”  I think they have a pretty neat idea going and growing.  I can’t imagine how much more growth will happen when word of this inspirational store continues to spread.  There is no doubt that they already can’t manage everything alone, and a few others mentioned earlier get to share in the fun of rearranging this beautiful shop to match each season.

Thank you Elizabeth and Melissa for sharing your shop, dreams, and story with me.  I hope I have done them all justice.

Thank you for hanging with me through this post.  I hope the story and dreams wound up inside this shop inspires you as well.  If you have an idea that you’d like me to share, or another small business with big dreams I could feature, send me a message.  It can be another decoration inspiration shop/home or even a person who you admire and feel deserves a shout out.  We are all marching through this life together, and a nod of approval makes us all smile a little wider.    Love and blessings to “Little Dollies” and to you my friend.   – Pat