Many people dream about what they want to do for a living but few have the courage to go after it. Krista Sloan, the owner of Rooms That Bloom in Martin City, MO, isn’t one of those people.
Sloan started her career selling insurance, but her dream was to open a store featuring European antiques. She began by selling items from her own home, which convinced her to open her own store.
One day, Sloan noticed a for-sale sign outside of a 100-year-old home in a prime location on 135th Street. After inquiring, she discovered the house was zoned commercial and knew it was the location she was looking for.
“I always wanted to do it out of a house because people can visualize what it will look like in their own home,” says Sloan. “The opportunity to buy this home fell in my lap, and it is in the perfect location for us in Martin City!”
Rooms That Bloom opened in 1989 as a unique home furnishings and gift retailer in Martin City. Sloan knew she wanted to import merchandise from England, but didn’t know where to begin. She met a friend who agreed to go to England with her and share a shipping container – and the rest is history.
Her first trip was in 1994, and she has been 38 times since. Sloan does the driving, and her husband is the navigator. They visit in the summer, and spend 10 days driving around the English countryside visiting antique dealers.
“It’s been a learning process, and we’ve had to fend for ourselves,” says Sloan. “We’ve met many good friends over there, and it is better than a vacation.”
Many people shop at chain stores like Pottery Barn, but Sloan says their merchandise won’t hold up compared to what her store offers.
“We are selling a look, and our customers want to buy things nobody else is going to have,” says Sloan. “We have discerning buyers who want unique, quality products that will stand up over time.”
Sloan has seen first-hand many changes in Martin City, especially in the last few years. She says the 135th Street improvement project almost forced her to close her doors, but it was worth it in the end.
“For a time, the street looked like a war zone because everything was torn up and replaced,” says Sloan. “Now, the area is so inviting because of the new sidewalks and hanging baskets. Our location is looking pretty good right now!”
Sloan has faced many other challenges over the past 27 years, including the onset of internet shopping, social media, and rising shipping prices. She believes hard work and perseverance have been the secret to her success.
“Since we opened, the world has changed, but we are still here,” says Sloan. “The growth in Martin City is too good to be true. This is like a fairy tale, and I’ve been able to live my dream.”
Rooms That Bloom is located at 13442 Cherry St, Kansas City, MO 64145. Visit them online to see what they have to offer!
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