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Amber Alissa’s journey to opening her store is a testament to faith, resilience, and the power of purpose. Starting from her home, she initially resold clothing on platforms like eBay and Poshmark. Within a year, she took a leap of faith and leased her first storefront, despite the daunting costs.
Recognizing that her customers often lead busy lives, Amber expanded online to make
shopping more convenient and accessible. Through hard work, her husband’s support,
and God’s guidance, Amber’s business has grown to offer not only retail items but also
upcycled and handmade goods. Beyond retail, Amber has a deep passion for advocating
for child abuse prevention—a mission she carries close to her heart. Every step of her
business reflects her dedication to service and her desire to bless her community.
How in the world did you get started with your online shop? I think it looks amazing and is well- organized!! It is very inviting!
I recognized that having an online shop was vital to producing revenue to continue to lease a brick-and-mortar store. My customers have families, sports, and tasks that do not always lead them into the store. So, by offering an online platform this allows them an opportunity to shop on their own schedule.
Where, when and how did you get the idea and how did it all begin?
I began at home by reselling clothing on online platforms, such as eBay & Poshmark and within a year, I leased my first location and branched into home goods. God gets all the credit! There was no part of me that thought, “Amber, you can run a store and succeed!” My first location was over $3,000 a month before utilities, insurance, inventory, and day to day expenses. But by God’s Grace, gradual shifting- growing me, my husband’s patience, I grew from the second story of my home and into a year-round store that sells retail, upcycled & handmade items.
Where and how do you find the items that you sell?
From the outside looking in most would believe that I get to thrift and shop full-time, but the
reality is most days I’m doing mundane tasks.
Running a brick and mortar requires that most of my time is spent doing the important stuff:
cleaning, balancing finances, inventory reports, etc. Most of my items are sourced by purchasing
through online auction platforms and wholesale suppliers. When all the moon and stars line-up I
will source from a thrift-store.
What kind of experience do you have in home décor and choosing your products? Tell me more about this.
Zero! I have amazing customers who are always so kind to leave with me a compliment, show me a project they’re working on, or purchase an item I picked out. Being surrounded in an environment with consistent affirmations is the biggest key to learning what customers really enjoy purchasing and styling with.
Is this a full-time job or a side hustle? How many hours a week do you work on your business?
I am blessed enough to have made my business my full-time job. While my storefront is only open 3 days a week, having a website and multiple platforms allows me the opportunity to have revolving revenue throughout the week while simultaneously preparing for the next week.
Tell me about you and your family and living in Montgomery.
I live with my husband just on the outskirts of Montgomery in Dobbin, TX. I have three young adult children and two dogs: Roxie, a Golden Retriever and Oakley: Rough Collie. My daughter is married, and I have two beautiful granddaughters. My two sons joined the Navy just after high school, making me a Navy mom.
What are you passionate about?
I have a true advocacy heart. Outside of painting furniture and junkin’ around flea markets, I have a heart to learn and share about the prevention of child abuse.
What would you tell other Christian women who are interested in starting an online
business like yours? Advice? Good and bad?
Start small, grow gradually and give yourself grace. I had initially begun a website in my first year of business, however managing a store and a website was not flushing. It took four years
of business to get a smooth routine to be able to maintain both. Having a website required that I begin small, grow gradually and give myself grace.
Home Market curated by Amber Alissa
21372 Shannon Circle Ste. D,
Montgomery, TX, United States, Texas
Q & A written by Kimberly Sutton
Kimberly Sutton is a devoted mother of three and a faithful partner to her husband of 34 years. Their journey has spanned over three decades of shared ministry, including roles as pastors, youth mentors, church planters, and missionaries, with transformative service in Paraguay. Graduating from Evangel University with a BS in communications/Journalism and immersing herself in Spanish culture for a year in Costa Rica have equipped her to connect deeply with others. Her unwavering commitment to her Christian faith truly defines her purpose.
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