OUR STORY
The Kindred Co. started in the most “us” way possible. It wasn’t some long thought-out plan or perfectly mapped-out dream. It was spontaneous, a little crazy, and honestly just came from something we loved.
Maddy and I met while working our corporate jobs, and somewhere along the way, coworkers turned into best friends. We bonded over our love for God and vintage and antique shopping, and before long, we were spending most of our time hunting for unique finds together.
One day, we were sitting on the beach during our lunch break, just talking like we always did, and we had this random thought…why not? Why not take something we love and try to make something out of it? It wasn’t this big, serious decision at the time. It was more like, “this could be fun.” So we went for it.
We were led to a local antique shop and started with a small vendor booth. We filled it with vintage finds we had picked out ourselves, things we genuinely loved. At that point, it was just a side hobby. Even that felt a little surreal, like something we never thought we’d actually do.
But things didn’t stay small for long.
What started as something fun quickly turned into something we couldn’t ignore. Opportunities kept showing up, one after another, and before we knew it, we were introduced to a small storefront space in downtown Conway. We went to look at it just for fun. We weren’t seriously considering opening a store because, in our minds, that kind of dream felt way too big. It felt unrealistic. It felt a little crazy, if we’re being honest. But the second we saw it, we both just knew.
We walked out and sat at a small table nearby, going back and forth, asking ourselves if we were really about to do this. Because if we said yes, it meant everything would change. It meant leaving our jobs, stepping into something completely unknown, and trusting God with all of it. Our lives, our finances, our future. Everything.
We spent the next few days praying about it, and what we kept coming back to was this simple truth. God had placed this opportunity right in front of us. We didn’t have to force it or chase it down. It was just there. And all He was asking us to do was take the step.
So we did.
We said yes with no backup plan, no safety net, and honestly not much business knowledge either. Just two gals and a dream. We resigned from our jobs that same week, which still feels crazy to say out loud, and jumped in headfirst.
The next month was one of the busiest, most exhausting, and most rewarding seasons of our lives. We worked full days and then spent late nights at the shop painting, moving things around, styling, learning as we went, and figuring things out one day at a time. There was a lot we didn’t know, but we just kept showing up and trusting that God would meet us in it. And He did, over and over again.
Our family and friends showed up for us in ways we will never forget. They encouraged us, helped us, prayed for us, and supported us through every step. We truly could not have done it without them.
The night before opening, we were at the shop until the early morning, completely exhausted and half joking about just sleeping there. Somehow we made it back the next day, running on very little sleep but full of excitement and nerves, not knowing what the day would hold.
Our small space filled up with friends, family, and even people we had never met before who chose to show up and support us. There were so many hugs, so many kind words, and a lot of happy tears. At one point, we finally paused and looked around, and it hit us. This wasn’t just a dream anymore. This was real.
We get to spend our days doing something we truly love. We get to meet amazing people, have real conversations, encourage others, and be surrounded by pieces that bring us so much joy. It still doesn’t feel real some days, and we don’t think that feeling will ever fully go away.
We’re still learning. Still growing. Still figuring things out as we go. There are a lot of unknowns, and we definitely don’t have it all together, but we trust God in all of it. He has been faithful in every single step, and we know He will continue to be. A verse we’ve leaned on through it all is Matthew 6:26: "Look at the birds of the air; they do not sow or reap or store away in barns, and yet your heavenly Father feeds them. Are you not much more valuable than they?"
We don’t take any of this for granted. Not for a second. Every person who walks through our doors, every bit of support, every kind word means more to us than we could ever fully explain.
Thank you for being here and for being a part of this with us. It truly means everything.
We can’t wait to see what God has up his sleeve next!
WHY SECOND-HAND?
We’ve always believed there’s something truly special about second-hand and vintage pieces. They just don’t make things the way they used to. There’s a level of quality, character, and craftsmanship that feels harder to find today.
But more than that, we love that every piece already has a story. It has lived a life before it ever made its way to you, and that makes it feel meaningful in a way something brand new often doesn’t.
We also believe second-hand doesn’t mean outdated or worn down. It can be styled beautifully and in a way that feels completely fresh and unique. It’s one of our favorite things about it. You can take something old and make it feel like it belongs in your home in a really intentional way.
When you choose vintage or second-hand, your space naturally becomes more personal. It adds character that can’t be replicated, and it helps set your home apart from everyone else’s. Not everyone will have that exact piece, and that’s what makes it so special.
For us, that’s the beauty of it.
Purpose Beyond
the Pieces
The Kindred Co. has never just been about selling vintage pieces. From the beginning, it’s been about people, purpose, and using what we love to give back in meaningful ways.
We’ve always believed this space should be more than a store. It should bring people together and be used for something bigger than ourselves.
One of the ways we live that out is through our Thrift For A Cause event each Christmas season. After a lot of prayer, we felt led to take something we already love, thrifting and vintage hunting, and use it to help others in our local Grand Strand community.
Through this event, we shop and curate thrifted items to help sponsor a few families or individuals during the holiday season. This can include toys, clothing, blankets, shoes, and small gifts, with the hope of making Christmas a little brighter.
It’s something we keep private and close to our hearts, but it has become one of the most meaningful parts of what we do. We truly believe even small acts of kindness matter, and that when you step out in faith, God meets you there.
We know we can’t help everyone, but we can help someone. And that’s where we start. To everyone who supports us, encourages us, and believes in what we’re doing, thank you. You are a part of this too.