Knowles Accounting, Willa’s Florist , The Butter Box Bakery & Catering, Butterflies & Frogs- plus working at The Holiday Inn- These are the things that have Sean and Tracey Knowles up at the crack of dawn, and going full force -sometimes till midnight.
Both have degrees from Campbell University, Tracey a BS and Sean an MBA, and though they could have chosen from several career paths in other markets, they chose Wallace. Wallace is home- Wallace is family- and these values are most important to them.
The Butter Box almost happened before Willa’s- Sean and Tracey had been looking for a business for Tracey- something she could do and loved- and baking is it! But the initial deal fell through, and then Willa’s came available. Sean had worked in retail for the Fox’s for eight years, and decided to go ahead with Willa’s. Sean had a vision for Willa’s - he would keep the florist business, but wanted to do more than just flowers and gifts. Almost two years ago, he added a clothing line in what had been the gift shop. The shop carries a total range of sizes, trendy casual and dressy looks- and reasonable prices for designer labels.
The Butter Box again became a viable option- and Sean and Tracy took it! Tracey and a cousin, Jean have made The Butter Box more than a bakery and sandwich shop- it is one of the area’s premier caterers- and their cakes are coveted by many! Tracey has also committed to being a vendor at the Farmers’ Market this year! Don’t be surprised to see a chain built on the success of the local store- Sean and Tracey continue to think BIG!
The newest thing for the Knowles- Sean’s sister Wendy has been operating “Butterflies & Frogs” Quality Children’s Clothing in Warsaw, and because of health issues, they are moving her business to the Willa’s location so they can be nearby. Butterflies & Frogs carries a full line of name brands in children’s clothing. It’s addition to Wallace will help fill the the void left with Babycakes leaving.
The biggest challenge Sean finds in doing business in Wallace is getting the word out. After 2 years, customers will still comment that they didn’t know they carried clothing. He does hope that in the future Wallace will implement proactive planning which could help the growth of business and establish strong retail corridors which will attract more shoppers. The best thing about doing business in Wallace is that we are a family oriented community’, Sean says, “ You know everybody and can talk to everybody. This includes the newer residents at River Landing who are patrons. They are a part of the contribution of the Murphy Family to Wallace. The Murphy’s have done a lot for this area.”
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