Today we’re sitting down with Dorothy Chatman, owner of Reflections Antiques and Collectibles. Dive in to learn more about her passion for the antique business, what makes The Square a perfect location for her store, and how the antique industry has changed over the past several years.
Can you tell me a bit about your background? What brought you and your business to the Historic Canton Square?
Of course! My name is Dorothy Chatman. I was born and raised in Jackson, Mississippi. I have a lot of relatives here, as my family roots are planted in Madison County. Prior to opening Reflections, I sold real estate for 22 years and pivoted to work in the social work field after that. Those careers were fulfilling because I was able to meet new people and help them. However, antiques and collectibles have always been my true passion.
I first began working in Canton years ago, in what is now SAAB’s Gallery, where I rented space at another business for about seven years. I took a year sabbatical, until I felt the urge to work in the antique industry again. So, in 2010, I opened Reflections Collectibles and Antiques. We offer a wide variety of merchandise – if you look around, you’ll see a little bit of everything. People are leaning into more of an eclectic interior design style, so we cater to that demographic as well. You’re not going to find a lot of new merchandise in the store, as we carry true antiques and collectible items. I’ve been here a little over fourteen years now, and it has truly been a rewarding experience.
I chose The Square as the home for my business because I was attracted to the charm and excitement that the events and activities bring to Canton. I credit Canton Tourism immensely for their efforts to keep activities and functions going to draw people here. Years ago, I believed that this would be a great place to plant my professional roots, and it has proven to be just that.
How has running a store on a Historic Square impacted your business and interactions with the community?
Developing relationships with not only locals, but also people that travel through the area once or twice a year, who make it a point to stop at The Square/my store, makes me feel successful in that regard. We have many returning customers because they enjoy shopping with me and like the merchandise I offer. They enjoy the atmosphere I’ve created as they like feeling at home when they come here.
Have you always been interested in antiques and collectibles? How do you source the items you carry?
I most definitely have always had a passion for antiques and collectibles. As a child, I would set up a “store” when we played and sell penny candy to other kids in the neighborhood. An entrepreneurial spirit has always lived inside me. Yes, I’ve had other jobs and career paths, but they just were not as fulfilling as this. I enjoy figuring out the best and most appealing ways to display merchandise, as well as sourcing items that people will be excited about. It keeps me on the hunt for the next great piece I can bring into the store.
In the last few years, a lot of items have been donated (to Reflections) from customers that are moving, having estate sales, and things of that sort. On the other hand, I do like to individually hand pick items. I like buying from customers or people that I know, as I can trust that the quality of the items is in the utmost condition. This also keeps transactions in the local community, which is important to me.
What changes have you seen in the town or in the collectibles market over the years?
I would say that the main change in the market over the last several years is the internet. Online shopping has a played a huge role in how customers shop. People are now able to stay home, press a button, and order anything they want from the comfort of their living room. In my opinion, I think the interest in coming to see and touch the objects has declined a bit.
On the other hand, this behavior helps a store like mine. Often, people purchase items, and it’s not what the customer thought it was or the quality isn’t great. So then, that urges people to actually come into a store like mine and find something similar – where they can investigate the quality themselves and learn about the origin of the item, which you obviously aren’t able to do online. The internet has affected us in many ways. However - like a lot of things - when things change, you must try to change with it or else you get left behind.
What advice would you give to someone who wants to start their own antiques or collectibles business?
Plan, plan, plan! Planning is key when it comes to starting your business from the ground up – especially when it comes to antiques. Identifying the local market and what you sell is important. Ensuring that you have products that will move and thrive in your environment is crucial. For example, Canton has always been known for its antique and specialty shops.
It’s a no-brainer that a shop like mine would fit in perfectly here.
Research is also key – knowing what people are buying and what they’re on the hunt for. In short, you need to look at the landscape of where you’re trying to go. If you can fit into that mold, you can make it work.
In that same vein, is that what you think makes a business successful? What can ensure the longevity of a small business?
Besides having the product that people are looking for, having the personality and endurance to follow through on your goals is vital. I would have to say that I believe personality is sometimes looked over, but it is just as important as anything else. There are some customers who shop with a business because they like the atmosphere you’ve created. When you come in and you’re greeted like an old friend or recognized as a previous customer, you feel welcomed and want to go back.
