Meet Debbie Strasser | Owner + Founder

We had the good fortune of connecting with Debbie Strasser and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Debbie, we’d love to hear more about how you thought about starting your own business?
I entered the workforce again after staying home with my four boys by assisting small businesses. We worked on marketing, positioning, branding, social media, websites, processes, procedures and workflow. I then started a wholesale business, selling, marketing and distributing a furniture hardware line across the US. While navigating the wholesale to retail industry it became apparent to me that I wanted to start a retail business, but with the least amount of risk and overhead. I leased a 300 sq. ft. room in another business and The Rustic Market was born. The space took off and I learned to order wholesale, began merchandising and building our social media presence. I knew there was a need for a gift space close to my home in Acworth to support the community and leased a 1400 sq. ft. suite in July of 2016. We opened in August of 2016. I knew if we had excellent customer service in a beautiful environment offering unique goods, we would be successful.

Alright, so let’s move onto what keeps you busy professionally?
I’ve worn lots hats throughout my career. I spent many years in the Retail, Hospitality and Human Resources industries. I’m most proud of the fact that I took a little idea, a spark and grew it into a multi-location retail business in seven years. I’m most excited about the process of refining the business and growing; accessing other avenues. Starting and growing your own small business is not easy. No one hands you a playbook. It’s hard work and lots of hours. You truly eat, sleep and breathe your business.
The biggest lesson I’ve learned is that in order to grow you need to hire well. People who share the same mindset and vision who will treat the company as you do – who are excited. Another lesson – work “on” your business versus “in” your business.
I want the world to know that at our core we are small business. We know our customers, we take pride in what we do and we want to service and be a part of the communities where we do business.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
The downtown areas of each of the communities where we have locations are great! Acworth, Kennesaw and Woodstock have done an amazing job at revitalizing their towns. I’d also go to the Battery for sports, great restaurants and entertainment. The midtown area of Atlanta is great for eating and shopping or catch a show at The Fox Theatre. Want to get away from it all? Head to the North Georgia area for beautiful cabins and great views. Visit Blue Ridge, Jasper, Helen, Dahlonega and Ellijay.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
I’ve had very good, strong, mentoring bosses throughout my career prior to founding The Rustic Market. I also had some tough, disagreeable, unprofessional bosses. In each experience I learned something valuable that has stayed with me and applied to running my own company and I reference those experiences often. Along with the best team, who make me and The Rustic Market look good every day, my family, most importantly, my husband, deserves the most credit and recognition. They have stood by me when I first brought up this “crazy idea” and have been with me through all the ups and downs and challenges I’ve faced. Their support has been unwavering and I could not do what I do without them.

Website: www.shoptherusticmarket.com

Instagram: shoptherusticmarket

Linkedin: Debbie Strasser

Facebook: www.facebook.com/therusticmarketgeorgia