In celebration of Small Business Month, we’re shining a light on small businesses, bringing you an inspiring look at their unique stories and expertise.

Located in Eden, Utah stands EmieJames, a charming and inviting home and gift store rooted in celebrating life and home. EmieJames is not just any store; it’sa gathering spot where visitors are encouraged to stay and mingle while grabbing a complementary soda from the soda bar within a 120-year-old Victorian style home filled with beautiful, hand selected items. The store boasts a wide range of hand-selected home accents, seasonal gifting, jewelry and more. The welcoming environment and playful spirit are attributed to owners Lisa Pack and Marne Grange, a mother-daughter duo who pour their hearts and souls into this family-owned gem.

A Dream Brought to Life

To appreciate EmieJames, is to know the bond between its founders. Lisa Pack was blessed with four sons and one daughter, Marne. Their mother-daughter relationship proved unique from the very beginning. For over twenty years, Lisa worked as a wholesale sales rep in high end jewelry (years ago, she also served as a proud Accent Decor rep). Marne dutifully tagged along with her mother as she travelled by car to service her various retail store customers. During those long car rides, the two often discussed their dream of owning a store. On the open road they hatched their plan, discussing their purpose and documenting every meticulous detail.

Years later, after Marne’s college graduation, the two reconnected on their long-standing dream of opening a store. They agreed to leave their respective jobs and take a leap of faith. In 2017, EmieJames opened its’ doors.

“The purpose behind starting EmieJames was to help women everywhere celebrate their life and home,” shared Marne Grange. “Everyone has a story, and we love hearing our customer’s stories. Building relationships is a vital part of our business. Whether a customer spends thousands of dollars, or five dollars, we want them to leave feeling uplifted, appreciated, and celebrated. Life is meant to be enjoyed!”

Establishing a Family Legacy

Running a business together has deepened the bond between Lisa and Marne. They share laughter, creative challenges and the joy of seeing their vision come to life. Their partnership is a lovely example of how family can support one another.

“We were very much beginners in the early days, and we’ve come a long way,” shared Marne.  “Many of those early mistakes have created hilarious memories for us. We are above and beyond grateful for our team members. They helped stablish systems, then we further refined those systems into the well-oiled machine we are now. EmieJames could not be the business it is without each member of our team.”

Top Tips for Working With Family

Lisa and Marne, have seemingly mastered the art of balancing family and a successful, thriving business. Here, they share their top three tips for working harmoniously with loved ones while running a successful store.

1)   Communicate Openly and Honestly

“The foundation of any successful partnership, especially with family, is open and honest communication. Frustration stems from unmet expectations. It’s imperative to communicate expectations on all aspects of the business. Without these conversations, frustration will permeate into interpersonal relationships, inevitably corrupting the business and your partnership.“

2)   Avoid Micromanagement

“It’s important to set goals together and make big decisions together. From there, you must trust the other is managing their part effectively. If there’s disagreement, I urge you to avoid the harboring of feelings. Again, share those feelings open and honestly – come together to council and establish a game plan.”

3)   Lead with Gratitude

“Owning a business is one of the hardest things we’ve ever done. Yet, it’s also a fulfilling and joyful adventure. Be grateful to everyone; your partners, team members, customers and everyone served. If you lead and work with the mindset of gratitude, you’ll find that working with family will be one of the best thing you’ve ever done.”

Stay up-to-date with EmieJames on their website and @emie_james.

Photo Credit: @packphotoandvideo.brands

To shop Accent Decor’s wholesale decor and wholesale home accents with new and flower, plant and home products, visit accentdecor.com. 

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