Meet Christi Richardson | Christi Richardson/ Business owner, wife and mother of three beautiful children

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

Hi Christi, how do you think about risk?
In my twenties I managed a little custom framing and silk floral arrangement shop, I knew then that I wanted to open my own business one day. I didn’t have a clue on how to get started and was also scared of taking the risk and it not working out. Had I not met my husband a few years later, I probably never would have done so. My husband is the complete opposite of me, he is a dreamer who is not afraid to taking risks. He started his own construction company that has now been in the business for over 20 years. When we met I was in college studying to be a teacher because I love children and that was safer route with a secure job once I graduated.
While in college, my husband approached me with the idea of opening a little restaurant. I had worked in the restaurant industry for many years before and during college. I was hesitant about the investment and afraid of losing our money but my husband reminded me you have to risk money in order to make money. This was my first experience opening a business, I ran the restaurant for 2 years until we found a good manager to take over. We kept this restaurant for 7 years, it was a great first experience on investing money and time into a business. It worked out well, we made our investment money back plus profit for several years.
Once I graduated college my husband asked me, “do you want to go look for a teaching job or take another risk and do something you have always dreamed of?” There was no thinking about it this time, I knew it was now or never. With him by my side, we made a good team. The restaurant was a great example for me but this next risk was a much bigger one. I prayed about it and I knew in my heart this was the industry I always wanted to be in, it allowed me to use my creativity.
We wanted to open a business that catered to builders, designers and the public, selling kitchen and bath products. We wanted the showroom to be designed beautifully like something you don’t normally see in this town. So many customers traveled to Atlanta to pick out their tile, cabinetry and other kitchen and bath products. We wanted to bring this type of showroom to Columbus. When opening a business it can be helpful to have partners that bring something different and unique to the table. We approached our friends and local countertop fabrication company to see if they wanted to partner up with us. We knew they had the xperience and knowledge and would bring a great piece to the showroom by having a company to fabricate and isntall the countertops we sold. We knew we could trust them and they hold themselves to the highest standard which is so important in this industry.
We then bought the land, my husband built the building and I spent months pulling together the design and small details. I even worked on my husbands construction crew for 3 months learning how to lay tile and install the materials I would be selling. This gave me a much better understanding of these products and has helped me to become knowledgeable and confident in the products I am selling. I was also able to pitch in and help along side our partners installing tile, cabinetry and other components needed to pull the showroom together. We spent many long days working tirelessly around the clock and my husband was in a horrible accident during the build that took a long time to recover from. We had so many things working against us and there were many times during the building of this business that I felt like I was going to give up but so many family members and friends came together to help support us and our dream. My parents invested and became our third partners, this is also where we came up with the name, “Muse. It was the perfect fit, named after my parents and muse also means to inspire! Our kids were young and were along side of us watching us build our future block by block. This was so important to me, they got to see us put hard work into something and see it succeed. The risk was well worth it, this is our fourth year open and it has been a successful 4 years. I love what I do and feel this is the career I was meant for. We have an awesome team of dedicated and knowledgeable people that together make Muse what it is today.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
Muse Kitchen and Bath Gallery is a place you walk into and feel you have stepped out of Columbus into a different place. We are located off the beaten path, away from other business similar to ours. Most people are drawn to the outdoor kitchen you find as you pull into the parking lot or the arched brick and stone doorway with big heavy metal doors leading inside. You can’t help but to want to come in and look around. Most clients are overwhelmed the first time they walk around, we have a full functioning kitchen, 3 bathrooms and several kitchen and shower/tub vignettes with different designs. We take pride in searching for unique tiles and other products, constantly keeping up with what is the latest and greatest in kitchen and bath design. We have created a place where the buyer can pick out all of the products needed to remodel their space under one roof. Our staff is here to help guide their selections. Most people don’t understand the different products and what is the best fit for their needs/space. Our staff listens to what they are trying to obtain and helps to steer them in the right directions as to what products are going to give them the look they want as well as fit their functional needs. We feel we have set ourselves apart from others because there are no other places in Columbus where all the products can be picked out under one roof except big box stores. In the big box stores it is very hard to find someone that is knowledgeable and can help you piece all of your products together. I feel that I have gotten to where I am today in business as well as other aspects of my life because I trusted God and followed the path he lead me down. When I was scared and needed help, I was able to see the people the Lord put in place that gave their help and support. I also learned a lot from my husband, especially a strong work ethic and understanding that it would not be easy but hard work pays off if you stick it out especially when it gets tough. We overcame the challenges as a team, when one was down the other took the lead. We learned to not break each other down which is the easiest thing to do when things are not going the way you expected. It is easy to find someone to blame but much harder to simply look for a solution to the problem without passing blame.
Muse Kitchen and Bath was created from a vision that came together with hard work and dedication through the grace of God. We continue to thrive because of the quality customer service provided along with the unique products we sell that help others to bring their visions for their homes to a reality. We are here to help inspire others and help guide them through the process of selecting and pulling together their products and materials.

Let’s say your best friend was visiting the area and you wanted to show them the best time ever. Where would you take them? Give us a little itinerary – say it was a week long trip, where would you eat, drink, visit, hang out, etc.
If my friend was visiting Columbus for the weekend, we would start out by going to Whitewater express on the Riverwalk and go kayaking on the Chattahoochee and enjoy some ziplining. We would then eat at one of the many local restaurants downtown such as The Salt Seller, Mabelle’s, The Black Cow, Vertigo or Smoke. Another great spot to take someone would be to Calloway Gardens 30 minutes away inn Pine Mountain for a visit to the lake beach, butterfly center or if they came in November they could experience The Steeple Chase!
Columbus has so many local restaurants to try and is right on the Chattahoochee which offers many attractions on the water.

The Shoutout series is all about recognizing that our success and where we are in life is at least somewhat thanks to the efforts, support, mentorship, love and encouragement of others. So is there someone that you want to dedicate your shoutout to?
There are so many people who have had and still have a part in our ongoing story. First I want to thank my husband, without his encouragement, hard work and dreamer personality, I never would have taken the plunge to risk everything to follow my dream. I want to shout out to his family for pitching in ANY time we needed it and helping out with the kids so we could finish the project. My parents have given their support in so many ways, by investing and believing in our dream. My dear mom you will find in the gallery 2 days a week even though she is retired. She could do anything she wants with her time and chooses to spend it spreading joy and kindness to all that walk through our door, helping them to find just the right piece for their project. A special thank you to our partners Monica and Sergio for believing in this dream and investing their time day after day to help build the business. I couldn’t have asked for better friends or partners. Thank you to Paul for laying the most beautiful tile designs in our gallery, he is truly an artist and most of all a dear friend. Thank you to my sister in law and best friend, Carrie who devoted her time and helped us get things started the first year we opened. Last but not least, thank you to my loyal employees and to my husbands loyal employees of which some are family too. Without our team and their loyalty, we wouldn’t have built the reputation we have these past 4 years. So many people and blessings to be thankful for, it truly takes a team!

Website: www.musekitchenandbath.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/musekitchenandbath/

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/musekitchenandbath

Image Credits
Melissa Phipps Photography