Meet The Owner of a Home Decor Shop

"Unique Home Decor Made Fresh Daily"  is the theme of Kristina Butler's store, Fresh Baked Home, located in downtown Watkinsville. It is slated to open to the public on Monday, Oct. 10.  She sells custom draperies and custom printed pillows and accessories along with vintage-inspired gifts. 

Patch: When did you start your business? 

Kristina:  I started making a selling custom soft furnishings out of my basement eight years ago in an attempt to fill the needs of a design client who I was working with at the time.  I found that I really enjoyed working with fabric and the creative process that goes along with making curtains, pillows, and other soft furnishings so I decided to focus my business on the creation of these elements.  

Patch: Why this particular business? 

Kristina:  In addition to creating new fabric based products, this business lets me explore my love of both industrial and vintage design.  I love finding unique pieces to share with others and salvaging items that may otherwise be destroyed.  

Patch:  What is your favorite thing about your business? 

Kristina:  I am definitely my happiest when I am creating something new.  I also love graphic design and I have been dabbling in printing and painting on fabrics for years.  Recent improvements in dye based inks have made it much easier to transfer my designs to fabrics.  I really enjoy this process and the ability it gives me to create custom, unique  gifts for others.  

Patch: What is the most challenging thing about running a business? 

Kristina:  Time management.  There are so many things that I want to be doing for the business and just not enough hours in the day to get them all done.

Patch: What are your long-term goals for your Fresh Baked Home? 

Kristina: I would like to expand our line of printed fabric products both in our retail showroom and on the internet and I would also like to increase our collection of vintage furnishings and add architectural salvage items to our retail offerings.  

Patch:  What advice would you give to someone wanting to start a new business in Oconee County? 

Kristina: Oconee County is a great place to start a business.  Most residents here are very friendly and supportive if you take the time to tell them about your business.  Also don't be afraid to approach other business owners and tell them your ideas, no one knows better than them what it takes to make a business work here. 

Fresh Baked Home is located at 13 1/2 North Main Street in Watkinsville.  Call 706-769-1869.  You can also visit the website to place orders online.