Entrepreneur and AQHA Reserve World Champion Annelise (Kimmel) Woodard of Covington, Ohio started Wild West Furniture right out of high school. The end of this year will mark Woodard’s ten years in the furniture business. In 2012, in order to expand their family business, they acquired the furniture company, Carolina Moon, from Mike Clagg. Wild West Furniture then merged with Carolina Moon to create Carolina Moon Home Furnishings.
In a very short time, Annelise has developed a reputation as an entrepreneur and business woman. The furniture company offers several one-of-a-kind furniture pieces, old door pieces, coffee tables, main-line leather goods, corner pieces, end tables, and desks in a western-style theme. They are also proud that majority of their furniture is made from manufacturers in the United States.
“We are celebrating this special mark in our business with a large sale at the 2016 All American Quarter Horse Congress,” Woodard told us. “You will find many great prices that you won’t find anywhere else. Additionally, everything at the Congress will be fifty percent off. ”
GoHorseShow sat down with Woodard to find out more about the sale at the Congress as well as current trends in home furnishings.
Hi, Annelise, thanks for sitting down with us. Throughout the past 10 years, you’ve become synonymous with western styled home furnishings and your booth is a destination for many shoppers especially at the Congress. Can you tell us how your business has changed over the past 10 years?
Annelise: When I started Wild West Furniture, I had a goal to provide rustic furniture to customers in the North. My brother Dustin and I would travel all over the United States to bring furniture back to the North. We started in a warehouse in Covington, Ohio and created an online business quickly after the start of Wild West Furniture.
Dustin and I realized the quality of the furniture was more important (to our customers) than the lower quality pieces and prices. Our goal quickly changed to providing the highest quality furniture to our customers at a price they deserved. We were able to go straight to our manufacturers in North Carolina and design the pieces we wanted to carry. The furniture is made right here in the United States. The quality and craftsmanship is exceptional and top of the line.
Many customers ask if we can still get rustic furniture at cheaper prices. Yes, we do have the ability to order cheaper pieces, however, the quality is not guaranteed like our in stock furniture.
What makes Carolina Moon Home Furnishings different from other furniture stores?
Annelise: I would say the uniqueness and style we provide and create for our customers. Our number one goal today is to create and design the style you need at the price you can afford. Carolina Moon now offers interior design locally and anywhere in the United States. I got married on June 7, 2014, and decided to make the move down south where I run Carolina Moon. I now do a lot of local interior design and manage my new storefront here in Arkansas.
What have you learned from running this business?
Annelise: I started Wild West Furniture the same year I started college. I learned a lot in college, but I have always said that managing this business taught me so much more about the real world than college ever did. It taught me to have the drive and patience to succeed. This business made me a stronger person inside and out. You learn how to keep customers happy, how to manage money, how to keep your priorities in line, and how to make your business the most enjoyable experience for not only you but for your customers.
What are some of the current must have’s that you are selling?
Annelise: The current must haves are our one-of-a-kind pieces. We are able to go straight to our manufacturers and create around five one-of-a-kind pieces a year. You will not find these anywhere else. They are never recreated or duplicated. The current trends in the furniture industry are simple designs and subtle colors.
Items that will be available at the Congress include: all western and rustic decor from lamps, cowhide rugs, area rugs, western accessories, bathroom accessories, kitchen accessories, mirrors, chandeliers, pillows, bedding, wall decor, pictures, candles, unique gifts, one of a kind accessories, bronze statues, florals, candle holders, men’s knives, women’s western jewelry, and all in stock furniture.
Why should people buy from you?
Annelise: The reason my customers love to do business with Carolina Moon is because of the one on one customer service we provide. You will always speak to me when you are working with custom orders. Customers can trust our products and us.
Thank you for talking to us, Annelise.
Annelise: You are welcome!
Be sure to take advantage of their 50 percent blowout sale at the Congress. Carolina Moon Home Furnishings will be located in Congress Hall in Booth #Q.
Visit them online at www.decoratewestern.com
CLICK HERE to view their ad in the September issue of GoMag
