The Pearl Plate’s Goodbye Letter to Madison Main Street

1. The Dream That Started It All

Somehow it feels like it happened just yesterday, and yet also a lifetime ago – the moment I opened the doors to my first (and only… for now 😉) little shop on Main Street, The Pearl Plate. I was filled with so many big emotions: excited to show my hometown what I had created from the ground up, nervous about how my vision would be received, scared of the inevitable mistakes I’d make along the way, and just ecstatic to finally be stepping into the role of entrepreneur, something I had dreamed of becoming since I was a teenager.

Stepping into the world of small business ownership was equal parts thrilling and terrifying. I didn’t have all the answers (still don’t), and I knew some people feared I wouldn’t be able to “hack it.” But I’ve come to learn that nothing fuels me more than a challenge. I’ve always been someone who shines when tested. Because, when I look back at something that once felt impossible but pushed forward anyway, there’s no greater feeling than watching it all come to life.

From the very beginning, The Pearl Plate was about more than products on shelves. I envisioned a space that celebrated the joy of gathering: where cooking wasn’t just a chore, but a creative expression or a dinner party could feel just as special on a Tuesday as it does on Thanksgiving. I dreamed of a warm, welcoming store that sparked inspiration: a home for food lovers, party throwers, beginner bakers, seasoned hosts, and everyone in between.

I wanted people to walk in and feel seen – whether they were seasoned home chefs or someone who just wanted a cute cocktail napkin and a new way to connect with friends. I dreamed of collaborating with other local businesses, offering experiences Madison hadn’t seen before, and encouraging others to find joy in the simple act of gathering around a table. Because for me, it’s never just been about the products; it’s always been about helping people create meaningful moments.

2. Moments That Made It Magic

I stepped away from a career I built in marketing in June of 2022 and got the keys to my first shop on West Main just days later. Within three months, I had registered my business name, designed my logo with the help of a talented friend, launched a website and social media pages, renovated the space, and gone to my very first market to buy inventory (which was wildly overwhelming but such an incredible learning experience!). I was driven by pure passion and a whole lot of adrenaline. I poured everything I had into those early days. And every time I look back, I remember how proud I was to finally say, “This is mine.”

But the real magic came from the people – those who showed up for me before I had even unlocked the doors for the first time.

About two months before opening, Austin with Madison Main Street gathered a small group of community members to meet with me at my soon-to-be shop. Many of them were strangers at the time, but they quickly became part of my story. They taught me about the building’s history, offered insight on improvements I was unsure how to tackle, and made me feel like I wasn’t in this alone. That meeting could have easily felt intimidating, but, instead, it filled me with hope and connection.

Toward the end of that meeting, I had a conversation I’ll never forget with Beth from Olde Tyme Marketplace. I had adored her work since her days at the Little Golden Fox, where she first introduced her signature style to Madison. By the time we met, she had already built a shop of her own that I’d long admired from afar, so to have her standing inside my space, offering support and encouragement, felt incredibly full-circle. Her generosity, both in spirit and advice, meant the world to me. That conversation gave me the confidence I didn’t know I was looking for.

A year after opening, I hosted my very first cooking event held at The Chandler Hotel, one of the most beautiful venues downtown and owned by two people that would quickly become great friends of mine. That night felt like a dream. I partnered with the incredible Vanessa Goode, a local chef whose talent and kindness blew me away. Even before we met in person, she trusted my vision and said yes to everything. That first event was a test run with friends and family, but their support made it feel like a sold-out show. That night reminded me that I wasn’t just building a store; I was creating moments that brought people together.

3. The Heart Behind the Counter

Even before I officially opened, I realized just how supportive the downtown business community was. People I had never met (outside of being a customer) started showing up: knocking on the door, waving hello, and offering advice. They told me to reach out if I ever needed anything. And while I’ve heard those words before in other parts of life, they don’t always ring true. But here? They did. Over the past three years, that open-door generosity has been very real.

There were countless moments when I was overwhelmed – technology glitches, tough product decisions, trying to figure out what promotions worked best downtown. And every single time, another business owner was there to answer my call or help talk me through it. I was nervous to ask at first, afraid of being a burden or stepping on “competitive” toes, but what I found instead was a community that truly believes we’re better when we work together. It never felt like a rivalry; it felt like a team. A team cheering for each other to succeed and grow. All of us working to make our charming little river town shine.

Through it all, I’ve learned that running this business has shaped me in ways I never expected. I’ve become so much more confident in my voice, my ideas, and my value – not just as a shop owner, but as a creator and a community member. I’ve learned how to ask for help without shame. I’ve learned how to set boundaries to protect my energy. And I’ve learned that perfection is never the goal –authenticity is.

The Pearl Plate was built on a lot of things: long nights, trial and error, passionate conversations, joyful wins, and even some ugly cries. But most of all, it was built on heart. I’ve poured my love into every part of this space – from the handwritten signs to the curated displays to every conversation at the register. Because when someone walks in, I want them to feel the why behind everything here.

And that “why” has always been this: to help people gather with intention, joy, and love.

4. A New Chapter: Motherhood and What Comes Next

As I’ve poured so much of myself into this shop, life has been quietly preparing me for a new chapter – one that will require even more heart, even more care, and a whole new kind of love.

I’m about to become a mom.

Yet another dream of mine has always been to be a mom. We’ve been patiently waiting for this day to come, and now we’re over the moon to be welcoming our baby boy this November.

Stepping into motherhood feels like standing at the edge of a vast, beautiful unknown. There’s excitement, yes, but also a quiet nervousness – the kind that comes with leaving behind a familiar path and trusting that the next one will unfold as it should. I don’t have all the answers, and I know this new role will challenge me in ways I’ve never imagined. But just like when I first opened The Pearl Plate, I’m embracing this leap with an open heart and a fierce determination to learn, grow, and give my very best.

While my day-to-day will look very different, the heart behind it all remains the same. I’ve always believed in building something rooted in care, creativity, and connection, and that won’t end here. As I step into motherhood, I’m bringing everything I’ve learned with me. And before I fully turn the page, there’s one more thing I need to say: thank you.

5. Thank You for Believing in Me

Before anyone else, I have to thank my husband: my biggest supporter from day one. He lifted me up through the long days and tough moments, helped behind the scenes, and reminded me why I started. I couldn’t have done this without him.

To my parents: thank you for believing in me from the very beginning and helping me lay the foundation for this dream.

To my Granny Donna, whose love and cheer inspired the name of my first business: I know she’s watching over me with pride.

To my family and close friends: thank you for being my biggest cheerleaders and showing up for me in every season, from holiday setups to all the long shop chats and everyday support.

To my friend Cara Fox, owner of Little Golden Fox:thank you for encouraging me from the moment I shared this idea. Your belief gave me the courage to take the leap, and I’m forever grateful.

To my fellow business owners: thank you for your kindness, inspiration, and support through every season. 

To the friends made along the way: thank you for the kind of friendships that will last a lifetime and for filling this journey with heart and joy.

Last but not least, to my customers and the downtown Madison community: thank you for embracing my dream and turning it into something bigger than I ever imagined. Your support, kindness, and loyalty have meant everything to me.

Every step of this journey has been made meaningful because of all of you. From the bottom of my heart, thank you for being part of this story; it’s a chapter I will cherish forever.

6. Come Say Goodbye (But Not Farewell)

As we approach the closing of this chapter, I want to warmly invite you to stop by and say goodbye before our last day on June 29th. While the future isn’t fully certain, this isn’t the end of my story downtown, just a pause before the next exciting adventure begins.

To celebrate and thank you all, we’re kicking off Memorial Day weekend with a special 40% storewide sale, and holiday items marked down up to 60%! Plus, from Friday, May 23rd through Monday, May 26th, every purchase of $20 or more enters you into our giveaway for a stunning SMEG Stand Mixer. The lucky winner will be announced on social media Thursday, May 29th.

With only a few exceptions, everything in the store is for sale – including furniture, displays, and inventory. Help us clear it all out as we prepare to turn the page and embrace what’s next!