Small Business on the Rise: The White Brick House
When Peg Breiholz named her home projects blog “The White Brick House” in 2013, she had no idea that it would become a brick and mortar vintage marketplace just two years later.
“In 2015, a mutual friend introduced me to the owner of Ashwood Manor in Forest,” Breiholz recalls. “Ashwood Manor just happens to be a white brick house. The owner was looking to step back from her business in the building, and I was looking to grow. Plans began for The White Brick House to move into THE white brick house. What are the odds of that happening?”
Today, The White Brick House is a thriving marketplace which features the wares of local vintage and antique vendors. “We have 20 current vendors, mostly women, in all stages of life: from young moms to retired professionals,” Breiholz says. “We switch out vendors when life interrupts and plans change.”
Breiholz attributes the success of her small business to several factors. “It starts with hard work, creative vendors, unique finds, hand-crafted treasures and beautiful displays in this historic house and even the music we play. It all works together to create an experience, an atmosphere where people love to come and be inspired and feel at home. This is their happy place!”
The White Brick House is also Breiholz’s happy place. An artist herself, she designs and sells her own hand-painted signs, canvas prints of her paintings of cows, and flour sack towels, all of which possess a “local charm.”
As a small business owner, she enjoys the freedom to decide what is best for her business. “The best thing about having a small business is having the control to do things my way,” she says. “I get to decide everything, and I’m not limited in what I can do. It’s freedom to create! It’s also great that I get to help support other women in growing their businesses and be a part of a creative community. I’m fortunate to be able to learn from their experiences, skills, and knowledge too.”
In addition to the vendors, Breiholz cites her husband, Scott, as a major source of support and inspiration. “In addition to his real job at Areva, he does all kinds of projects for me like fixing furniture, moving the big pieces and taking care of the lawn and anything else I need,” Breiholz says.
“I wouldn’t be able to do this without his hard work and support.”
With three gold accolades in the Lynchburg Living latest “Best Of” issue (Best Accessories, Best Interior Design and Studio, and Best Home Furnishings), its second May Market planned for this spring, and plans to offer an online shop, the future looks bright for The White Brick House. “We are always looking for ways to improve our skills and up our game,” Breiholz says. “I think we will continue to grow in the future by working hard to bring the best of vintage to the area, showcasing the best vendors and by increasing our presence in the community.”
By Emily Hedrick
