Labor Day Appreciation for - Suzanne Eblen - Owner of Lucketts Store

Suzanne Eblen owner of The Old Lucketts Store

Labor Day is only a few days away now. Most of us think of Labor Day as the end of summer, but we often forget the historical significance of this particular holiday. The day was established as a celebration of the social and economic achievements of American Workers. AFL-CIO is honoring Labor Day's original intent by recognizing people for the work that they do.

Today I would like to show my appreciation for my dear friend and former boss Suzanne Eblen, owner of The Old Lucketts Store.

{Photo Credit - Pearls and Prose}

For those of you who haven't heard of it, Lucketts Store is a multi-dealer Antique and Home Furnishings Store, located just outside of Leesburg, Va. Suzanne purchased the building back in 1996...

and this is how it looked at that time. Unbelievable ... right?!! Not only did she have tremendous vision (obviously!) to transform this sad looking building into the gorgeous shop that it is today, but she also had amazing vision when it came to hiring the right people and finding dealers for the shop. One particular quality that Suzanne has always looked for is the ability to work well with other people, as part of a supportive team.

Some of the Staff with Suzanne

The AFL-CIO reminds us that "Each of us depends on each other's work. Our work binds us and weaves us all together. And together we are better". This is so true of all of everyone at Lucketts. The dealers at the shop all have their own individual businesses, and so theoretically we are all in competition with each other, however we are all friends, we support one another, and celebrate each other's achievements, both personal and professional. The shop is a wonderful mix of the styles of each of the women and men who rent space there. And the mood of the shop stems from those individual styles as well as the personalities of the staff.

Photo of my Old Room at Lucketts

Sooz gives all of her dealers free reign to decorate their rooms as they see fit. Allowing them to carry a mix of new, old, and handmade, to reflect their own individual styles. Having the freedom to express their talents, gives her dealers a sense of satisfaction in their work and pride in the shop as a whole.

The photo above shows my old space at Lucketts. {After 10 wonderful years, I am no longer a dealer at Lucketts. I had to give up my beloved space in order to keep up with the pace of running multiple blogs. I'll be helping out at the counter a few times a year, during major events at the shop, and will be blogging here from time to time, with photos of gorgeous displays and merchandise from the store, so stay tuned for more of that!}

"Work connects us all, and the work an individual does affects the lives of others in a big way". Over the years I've seen Suzanne take many people under her wing, giving them a little space and allowing them the freedom to grow their talents. Some had never done this type of work before, and she took a chance on them anyway. Several, over time, went on to open their own successful individual shops.
I'm tremendously grateful she allowed me to be a part of this amazing, creative and crazy fun place!! I've grown so much since I started there, and I consider everyone there a part of my family. I'm so thankful for her support and encouragement of my blogs, as well as my decision to close my space at the shop. Thank you Suzanne!!

I'll be sending Sooz a Thank You card for Labor Day via the AFL - CIO website. Is there someone who's work you appreciate? Why not show your gratitude by sending them a Thank You card as well?! Go HERE to send your own card and brighten up the day of someone that you appreciate.

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