Mishi Lifestyle: A Sensory Experience in Sustainability and Style
Tracy Burnett is the founder and owner of Mishi Lifestyle in Lakewood, Ohio. The home decor and gift store was opened in April 2021 and expanded in July of 2023 to offer a great range of furniture, kitchen and bar necessities as well as vintage and antique pieces. Focusing on a sensory experience, Tracy carefully curates pieces that focus on the values of buying from minority-owned businesses, quality products made in small batches, and businesses that offer social value and sustainability. She offers clients the opportunity to utilize her personal curating through her styling services for the home and commercial spaces. They also offer their beautiful space for hosting private events and creative workshops.
As a mom and a female entrepreneur, I always appreciate learning more about other women-owned businesses in our community, and how their journey led them to where they are today. So I asked Tracy, the owner, to go "behind the design" and share more about the inspiration for Mishi Lifestyle, the most rewarding aspects of her job, and why having a connection to the decor in your home is so important:
"What inspired you to start your store?"
Prior to COVID, I traveled throughout the U.S. and Canada managing a sales team and with those travels, I was able to experience the unique local cultures and people of various cities and their small businesses that I’d seek out in my downtime. I fell in love with their entrepreneurial spirit and felt that running my own business would be a dream come true. Once COVID came along, I was presented with an opportunity to do just that!
"Where did your interest in home decor come from?"
My passion for home design stemmed from styling my own home. I loved the process of discovery to find a piece, whether it be from a thrift store, antique store, a friend of family member or a small local business. My priority was, and still is, about having a connection to what I placed in my home rather than simply to fill a space.
"Why is Lakewood the perfect home for your business?"
Lakewood is my home and opening my store there just feels right. Being surrounded by other small businesses was very important to me, but also being located in a community that supports small businesses was my priority as well. My vision for the store is almost exactly what it is now! Tall ceilings, dark walls, cozy vibes and bright open windows all around. The space came to me organically through a friend & neighbor who was renting it temporarily for a holiday pop-up and when I told her about my vision, we realized that the location at 15602 Detroit Ave would be our new home!
"What is the most rewarding aspect of being an entrepreneur and what's the most challenging?"
The most rewarding part of being an entrepreneur is having the freedom to make choices. Freedom to be creative is one of the best feelings for me. What’s the most challenging aspect? I’m challenged daily with the operational aspects of running my own business but I take the challenges and learn from them.
"Why is it important to have women-led businesses in our community?"
Having women-led businesses in our community provides us all with opportunity, creativity and a strong sense of civic pride. The desire to connect and nurture follows our business model and is exemplified in how we collaborate with other women-owned businesses.
"Do you have any role models in your life?"
My mom is a huge role model for me. I tend to go at full speed everyday and she is a person who can slow down, listen and pay attention to those around her…and appreciate them. I've learned, through her, that having the capacity to appreciate those connections is crucial.
"How do you relax or unwind at the end of the day?"
To relax, I typically cook or read a book. My quiet time is sacred to me at the end of the day and allows me to recharge and replenish the creative energy that I need to be happy.
"One of your core values on your website is “contributing to a peaceful space.” What does a peaceful space mean to you, and why is that important?"
A peaceful space means something different to everyone. Simply put, a person’s space (whether it be at home or in an office) should provide them with surroundings that bring joy, relaxation and a sense of comfort. These aspects can consist of color, texture and arrangement of pieces in the space. When our clients are happy to be in our store, we know we can translate that feeling to their home.
"What advice would you give to someone who is considering becoming an entrepreneur or starting their own business?"
Passion in their area of work is the most important aspect to starting a business. It is the key to motivation, continued learning and perseverance. Establishing a strong network of support is also crucial to success whether this comes from one’s family, industry groups and other small businesses owners and experts.
"What is your favorite quote?"
“Adversity causes some men to break and others to break records,” from William Arthur Ward. When this quote first affected me, I was running a half marathon in Columbus and I was experiencing a significant amount of adversity in my personal life at the time. This quote was printed on the back of the t-shirt on the woman running in front of me. It pushed me to work harder that day through the tears and earn a new personal best time.
Get In Touch
Mishi Lifestyle is located in the Lakewood, Ohio area. Get more details on their website, or take a sneak peek and "window shop" on their socials!
All photos above courtesy of Mishi Lifestyle.
Behind The Design: CNC Home & Design
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