Ageless Creations — friendly neighborhood gift shop at your service
It’s never easy taking a leap of faith and starting a small business in an unstable economy. But if you are doggedly pursuing your lifelong passion, not much can stand in the way. That is just what Debbie Giddens accomplished when she debuted Ageless Creations in 2008.
Located in Nashville, Georgia, the store’s first year was characterized by countless hours spent seeking new customers, building inventory, and praying. Ageless Creations gradually evolved into a lucrative business specializing in home decor, jewelry, clothing, accessories, scrapbooking, and other one-of-a-kind products. Customers often frequent Ageless Creations in search of a special gift for loved ones.
Giddens originally envisioned a scrapbooking store devoted to her preferred hobby. But public demand necessitated a more diversified inventory. The friendly, comfy atmosphere is ideal for folks tired of going to big box stores, battling large crowds, and searching fruitlessly for customer service.
Giddens obligingly agreed to go on the record below and detail exactly why she chose to dive head first into an endeavor where failure is the name of the game, how she relieves stress, the serendipitous tale of a visiting South Carolinian, and why Ageless Creations isn’t just a “girly” store. Visit the store’s Facebook page in case you live out-of-town.
The Debbie Giddens Interview
What prompted your decision to start your own small business?
While I had Quality Homecare, a medical equipment supply store, I sectioned-off an area of the store for scrap booking supplies in 1999. I loved this hobby but had a hard time finding the kind of stuff I wanted in my albums, not to mention finding the time to go and get it.
I decided in 2008 that it was time to devote all my time to a less stressful business. I prayed long and hard for how God wanted me to continue this avenue. It was not until 2009 that the right business came along that I felt comfortable handing my patients-customers over to them.
Settling on the name “Ageless Creations” did take some time, as well as lots of thought. Ageless Creations was directed at the scrap booking idea — using archival safe products to create albums that would long out last the creator. Finally, it just seemed to express what this business was to be about, making memory books that could be handed down for generations.
Ageless Creations started out with great supplies for scrap bookers. This has been my passion, as well as a great stress reliever. Unfortunately, I couldn’t make enough money to pay the bills. That’s when I decided to add gifts to my inventory.
Since I love jewelry, handbags, home decor and unusual items, I knew this would be the way to go. I wanted my shop to have unusual gifts that aren’t found just everywhere, so I knew I would need to search every avenue possible. That’s why I very, very seldom buy at the Atlanta Mart where most shops do most of their buying.
I am very blessed to be able to work side-by-side with my youngest daughter and right hand, Caitlin Giddens.
Being a small business owner in an uncertain economy is undoubtedly stress-inducing.
Absolutely. The different price ranges keep you grounded due to this unpredictable economy, but honestly, none of us know what’s going to happen.
The stress is nowhere near as bad as it was at Quality Homecare. I was constantly high strung, and much of that was likely due to the economy. About 85% of our income came through the government — Medicare and Medicaid — and it became extremely difficult to collect our money. You had no guarantee you would receive it, either.
And I had become burnt out. I was in that for ten and a half years with another company, and then I opened my own business, which lasted for 12 years. It was time for me to do something fun, something I enjoyed doing. I really love to come to work here.
What items does Ageless Creations offer? And is the store guy-friendly?
Even though this is not really a store of necessity, you can come in and become so wrapped up in looking at all the items. I often hear people remark, “Oh, my best friend would just love that!”
I had a lady from South Carolina come in one afternoon for scrapbooking material. A friend of mine urged her to visit. She admitted that it’s getting harder and harder to find small scrapbook stores. Unfortunately, that forces her to buy from larger stores like Michael’s or Hobby Lobby.
After I gave her a business card, she said she would call me whenever she needs something. She couldn’t believe it when she found material for cross country, running, and track at our store. That made me feel really good. There’s just something for everybody here.
We have an exceptional range of customers. Even men come in to pick up gifts for their wives. We have items for men, so it is a man-friendly store, too. It’s not just a girly store.
We have small and large tag items, picture frames, decorations, and children’s outfits. Other popular items include KAVU bags and wallets, Tervis tumblers, Erimish bracelets, Simply Southern T-shirts, Puppie Love T-shirts, and Young Living Oils — Essential Oils. You could say I like to have unique things that you can’t find in a run-of-the-mill gift shop.
Our hours are Tuesday thru Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, on Tuesdays the store remains open for an additional hour, closing at 7 p.m. In case you can’t come by on weekdays, you can visit us every Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- What: Ageless Creations
- Where: 711 North Davis Street, Nashville, GA 31639
- Hours: Tuesday thru Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. [store closes at 7 p.m. on Tuesdays], Saturday, 10 a.m. to 2 p.m.
- Phone: 229–686–9136
- Website: Ageless Creations’ official Facebook
© Jeremy Roberts, 2011, 2018. All rights reserved. To touch base, email jeremylr@windstream.net and mention which story led you my way. I appreciate it sincerely.
