Inspiring Conversations with Debbie Godbout and Liz Dzurinda, co-owners of Bexley House

Today we’d like to introduce you to Debbie Godbout and Liz Dzurinda, co-owners of Bexley House .

Hi Debbie Godbout and Liz Dzurinda, co-owners of Bexley House. We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today. Can you start by introducing yourself?
Hello. And thank you for the opportunity. At its core, the story of Bexley House is a story of friendship. We were beginning with ours. In 2016 we became next-door neighbors when Debbie relocated from Massachusetts. Liz had lived in the neighborhood since 2009 after spending several years in California. We have children close in age, which naturally drew us together. But we also discovered a shared love of décor and upcycling. We began refinishing furniture, at first for ourselves and then for friends. It wasn’t long before we realized we had a business. When we decided to invest in a storefront, we knew we wanted to be in downtown Clayton, at the center of the community we’d come to adore. Over time, with much hard work and positive word-of-mouth, we built an ever-expanding following of loyal customers. We prefer to call them our “friendstomers.” They remind us Bexley House is more than “just” décor. It’s a place to share, shop, browse, and be inspired. And we’re grateful to be able to share in that experience.

Can you talk to us about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
The greatest challenge for us has been, and continues to be, balancing a vibrant business with a fulfilling family life. Before Bexley House, Debbie had had a 15-year career in human resources. Liz had worked for 8 years as an event coordinator and had started her own event planning business and supporting online paper stores when she’d moved back to the Raleigh area. But by the time we met, we were both stay-at-home moms. Debbie with a 4-year-old and Liz with 9-year-old and 3-year-old triplets! Our home lives were undoubtedly busy, but we were both looking for a creative outlet. And boy, did we ever find one! As Bexley House has grown, so have our families. As has the challenge of prioritizing work and home. And that’s where we’ve been saved, yet again, by the blessings of friendship. We have been fortunate enough to surround ourselves with a dedicated, lively, and creative staff who are as committed to our “friendstomers” as we are. And Bexley House would not be what it is today without every one of them.

Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next, you can tell us more about your business.
What matters most to us is whether you’re a newcomer or a long-time “friendstomer,” you feel at home when visiting Bexley House. We strive for a pressure-free atmosphere. That’s why, after being warmly greeted, our customers are invited to take their time and look around. There’s always so much to see! We carry a wide selection of beautiful décor; hand-poured, custom-scented candles; an array of interesting textiles; jewelry; and pantry items from savory to sweet. And our inventory is constantly being updated. Every week we celebrate “What You Want Wednesday,” when new items are put on the shelves and released onto our online store at bexleyhousenc.com. Though we may love the dynamic and exciting world of home décor, we are also very aware that developing a personal style amid changing trends can be overwhelming. And that’s why it’s important for our customers to feel comfortable asking questions and sharing ideas. It’s the best way for us to assist them in transforming their own spaces. Being a part of that process is one of the most fulfilling aspects of our business.

Pricing:

• Hand-Poured, Custom Scented Candles: $6-$30
• Dixie Belle Paint: $14.95-$35.95
• Florals: $8-$60
• Jewelry: $5-$20
• Decorating Services: Priceless!

Contact Info:

• Website: bexleyhousenc.com
• Instagram: Instagram.com/bexleyhousenc
• Facebook: facebook.com/bexleyhousenc