DONELSON, Tenn. (WKRN) — A Donelson native is looking to close one chapter of her life later this summer.

Laurie Ford, owner of Mill Creek Mercantile in the heart of Donelson, recently announced she would be "retiring" from the business.

Ford told News 2 the decision is a bittersweet one, but she was ready to close that chapter of life and focus more on family and her other business ventures.

Ford is a lifelong Donelson resident, having grown up in the area and attended McGavock High School. Her family works in real estate, and she herself worked as a tax accountant until recently.

About seven years ago, her passion for repurposing vintage items and furniture blossomed into a full-fledged storefront on McGavock Pike. The store has carried a wide variety of vintage, repurposed and artisan treasures from both Ford herself and local artisans and vendors.

"Mill Creek Mercantile was literally my passion, my hobby, and it ended up becoming a business, and it's been my happy place," she told News 2. "But I've reached the age where I want to slow down and take some irons out of the fire."

While bittersweet, Ford said her decision to close Mill Creek won't happen abruptly. Over the next several weeks, Ford will liquidate the inventory she's amassed, including year-round items and seasonal pieces.

Ford's announcement that she would be (eventually) closing Mill Creek Mercantile was met with sadness by those in the Donelson community and beyond. Some even began speculating as to why she was closing up shop, which Ford addressed on a Facebook Live earlier in the week.

"I was hearing rumors and speculation," she told News 2. "I didn't want those type of rumors to surround Mill Creek Mercantile because it has been such a very positive, happy place in Donelson. I just wanted to come out and say, 'Hey, this is the reason why. I'm ready to slow down a bit, and this is what's happening.'"

During her time owning the store, Ford said she's loved getting to know the women who manage the store when she can't be there. Primarily the women she's worked with in the store have been retired women who were looking for part-time work that became good friends.

Additionally, Ford said she's loved getting to meet people and develop friendships with customers over the years.

"I have met some of the most wonderful people," she told News 2. "The customers come in the store, and we get to know them on a personal basis. That has been the most rewarding, is just meeting the people and getting to know the people."

The store will still continue to operate while Ford liquidates her inventory, so fans of the shop don't need to panic about her closing the doors forever soon. She told News 2 she was tentatively aiming for an end date around the end of August, but things could change depending on the liquidation.

When she does finally close the doors for good, Ford said she would miss her "happy place."

"I'm going to miss the shop. It just provides an atmosphere of peace and tranquility," she said. "I'm going to miss the people."

But she's also looking forward to being able to unplug a little from the social media world and spending more time with her family, including her children and grandchildren.

If you'd like to stop by the shop, Mill Creek Mercantile is located at 205 McGavock Pike in Donelson.

News Source : https://www.wkrn.com/news/local-news/middle-tn-neighborhood-news/mill-creek-mercantile-owner-retiring-closing-store-after-7-years-in-donelson/