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

Hi Stephanie, is there something that you feel is most responsible for your success?
This answer is a forecast into the future since I have only been open a little over 7 weeks; however, I hope to have success with my brick and mortar store based on my authenticity. The concept of W A N D E R S T A T E Mercantile was born after an idea in the back of my head since high school. I had always loved shopping small boutiques and worked at them in the summers so naturally I thought it would be cool to own a store in the future. Jump ahead many years and that has now happened – with all of the experiences I have acquired by working wholesale in the fashion industry for ten years to now opening a retail store. Traveling for work and pleasure, I visited many small businesses and noticed my aesthetic was not in the Atlanta area in the way I wanted to shop. I also am passionate about supporting small businesses, independent makers, and companies that work towards a better future, be it by giving back or from a sustainable and environmentally friendly view. With a culmination of these things, I opened the mercantile to sell handmade, small batch, eco, and socially conscious products. Staying authentic to what I enjoy and want to sell has kept me in a designated wheel house. I spend more time sourcing brands and products for the store that fit into this vision. Customers can see the vision when they walk in and already compliment me on the unique selection and sticking to this common thread throughout the different categories from home goods to speciality provisions to apothecary items. Being authentic brings out the best in my true self!

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I was lucky enough to start working with TOMS Shoes at their peak back in 2010. It was a surreal job- the environment, the people, the culture, the shoes- everything was fresh and cool. Working for them for ten years was a highlight and one I will always cherish. I learned how a company can perform and take care of their employees. I got to experience the first give back brand of its kind and how impactful that would be to other brands in the future (mine included). I was able to travel to other countries I would have never gone to and learn first hand how a purchase could lead to helping others. With all of that, I will always have a “give back” mentality and have incorporated that into my company. I give back 5% to local charities each year in addition to supporting many give back or socially conscious brands in my store.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
Oh boy, I’m a mom of a three year old so I haven’t been out much recently haha. But here we go!

I would start with Saturday breakfast at Spiller Park Toco Hills for coffee and toast. Then we would head to the Beltline for a walk stopping off at Ponce City Market to pop into some shops, then a leisurely patio lunch at Beetlecat for oysters, lobster rolls, and drinks. We’d go home to chill and refresh before eating somewhere on Buford Highway for dinner- my favs are DISH Korean, Mamak, Pho Bac and Northern China Eatery. On Sunday, we’d head to The High Art Museum and then have lunch at Star Provisions. I’d show them Westside Provisions area and pop into East Fork Pottery before heading home to relax for the rest of the weekend!

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?
A culmination of experiences in past work and life have all lead to this point. In general, I gain a lot of inspiration from Japan- their design approach, the customs, and the art. That influenced the look of the interior space of the store.

On a personal note, I could not have opened the store without the support of my husband, Ryan. Besides for emotional support, he dedicated a lot of hours in helping me build fixtures and get the store up and running. My mom, Jeanette, also deserves all of the praise for helping our family adjust with my new schedule. Being the sole employee of the mercantile for now and a full time mom is tough. She helps watch my daughter after school and is the best.

Website: www.wanderstatemercantile.com

Instagram: @wanderstateco

Linkedin: Stephanie Young

Facebook: W A N D E R S T A T E Mercantile

Other: TikTok @wanderstateco

Image Credits
Logo by: Rebekah Downs Photo of Stephanie Young/Owner by CC Cedar Photography

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