Meet Jessica Kiser

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jessica Kiser.

Hi Jessica, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
We started our sign business {Kiser Country} in 2012 with custom-designed glass frames with verses and quotes. We knew there must be an alternative to creating a unique sign for our home and after many ideas, wood is where we landed.

We worked and tweaked and worked some more, tweaked over and over again till we felt like we had the best quality product we could offer. Hours upon hours and failed attempts have brought us where we are today and after years of up to 25 shows and festivals a year, God blessed us with the opportunity to open our own storefront… in the middle of a pandemic… but God’s timing was on point!

Renovations on the old M.O. Haynes & Son General Store built in the ’30s began in early 2020. 2020 was a year of uncertainty for the world but by the grace of God, we were able to open in October of 2020, Kiser Country Mercantile. An abandoned building that needed some TLC was worth saving, saving every detail that we could as original. We preserved as much as possible from the original ceilings and floors (yes, they still have a squeak) to the original front door.

We were even able to convert and save a few of the original light fixtures. Every week, we have new customers coming in that frequented as kids. They tell stories of Mrs. Haynes sitting near the front window knitting and how it was such a treat to get a glass bottle of coke from Mr. Haynes. Many bought their groceries here, even meat from the back corner deli and fertilizer, feed, and seed from the warehouse outback. Although pictures have been hard to find, the vivid stories folks tell help fit the pieces together as we imagine how much of a staple that the M.O. Haynes general store was to the Welcome community. As we came in and started the new chapter for this building, we wanted to preserve that small-town community charm.

Not only are we able to support over 25 local vendors, but we also wanted to give folks a warm and friendly atmosphere. A place where they can come and pick up a new sign that completes the décor in their new home, a handmade gift for a friend who just needs a little something to brighten their day, a new dining room table, or maybe they just need a little encouragement and a smile. Now, our customers even have the option to order a latte and sip while they shop!

From the largest furniture pieces to local canned goods and everything in between, Kiser Country Mercantile has such a great curated collection to offer! While our space is small, we pray our impact is mighty and our future bright!

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not everything was always easy, not every opportunity was successful but the Lord has blessed, even if it was just lessons learned!

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
We specialize in hand-crafted wooden signs but also in having a variety of home decor and gifts.

I think I am most proud of the way we were able to open up in the middle of a pandemic and still serve our community well. It is not own our own by any means, God orchestrated that timing even we were scared, we knew that was the plan He had for us. We take pride in rotating displays and bringing in new products.

If we have a customer coming in every week, sometimes every day, we always want there to be something new for them. Sometimes we move the entire store around, sometimes just a single display or a new product. We want to keep it fresh so our customers have a reason to return.

Can you talk to us a bit about the role of luck?
We have been lucky (blessed) to open up when we did. It looked scary from the outside, opening when there were still Covid restrictions in place and such but it was all in God’s timing. the community wants to support small businesses, especially during these crazy times we are living in.

Contact Info:

• Email: [email protected]
• Website: www.kisercountry.com
• Instagram: @kisercountrymercantile
• Facebook: www.facebook.com/kisercountrymercantile