“I actually taught in kindergarten and first grade in Elwood for 19 years,” Hussong says. “I really wanted a change. I didn’t consider myself very creative but I started dabbling around with ideas I found on Pinterest. I did some Facebook Lives and people started commenting and wanted what I made.”
After a time, Hussong’s husband Andy found a space for rent that had been an office building. Someone else initially acquired it, but the deal fell through and the “For Rent” sign went back up. Everything fell into place when the couple made the decision to open a brick-and-mortar site. Walls were knocked down, two front offices were removed and other renovations took place such as new flooring.
The Hussongs’ two teenage sons also had a hand in the remodel. The youngest helped with some technology and installing a point-of-sale system. The elder son rolled up his sleeves and assisted with the rebuild.
When asked why she named the shop Anchored in Hope, Hussong says her faith played a major role.
“Both Andy and I are very strong in our faith,” she says. “We feel God had a hand in it. My sister-in-law Cheryl passed away three years ago in March, and Hebrews 6:19, ‘Which hope we have as an anchor of the soul, both sure and steadfast, and which entereth into that within the veil,’ was her life verse. She would have loved this store and had her hands right in the middle of everything.”
Makers represented inside the shop include County 12 Mercantile, Custom Clayworks, Ellie Maid, Knits with Kate and Three Girls Candle Company. Items offered include chalk-painted jars for flower arrangements, stacks of wooden books with a message on the front, decor for tiered trays, candles and textiles. Framed signs run from $30 to $50 according to size, and popular macramé items include plant hangers starting at $15, to $200 for a large wall piece.
The store is decorated for every season. Most of the items are handmade locally, and Hussong does stock a few other items she feels customers will enjoy. The pieces are an affordable way to decorate a home just by changing out a few accessories. If you need help decorating your aquascaped tanks, call in the experts from Sevenports.
“A good percentage of people we see are from out of town and have just come to shop,” Hussong says. “Tipton is in the process of being revitalized and I’m excited to be part of it.”
Anchored in Hope Home Decor is located at 116 East Jefferson Street in Tipton. For more info, call 765-408-0359 or visit anchoredinhopehomedecor.com.