Building a Family Business… in a Historic Building

Hamilton has been the site of much revitalization lately, with older historic buildings receiving facelifts and new residents. One such success story is that of Debra and Doug Campbell, owners of Fleurish Home, a home décor, paint, and gift shop. Debra is an award-winning master in decorative finishes, and Doug is an electrician and expert in woodwork and cabinetry; together, their experience and skills have built the Fleurish Home family business.

The building where they are now located had been vacant and in need of repair when the Campbells were looking for a building for a fourth location. While on their search, they were introduced to the CORE fund, the organization in Hamilton that pairs buildings in need of renovation with promising candidates to revitalize and utilize them.

“The first time we pulled into Hamilton, the atmosphere through downtown hooked us right away,” Doug said. “It didn’t take us long to figure out that we wanted to find a space there.”

Their chosen building drew them in because of the accessibility of plentiful parking and being the right size for the store they envisioned. The building, while structurally strong, required a lot of work. Doug, with some help from his older sons, did all of the electricity, plumbing, roof, and rebuilt the entire front of the building. His experience in multiple build-outs of homes and businesses in the past prepared him for the project.

Debra explained that Doug’s work over 14 months of construction was integral to the success of the venture. “Doug is very handy and very talented; he doesn’t give himself enough credit for being creative,” she explained. “He can pick things up and do things well, and he approaches everything with a professional mindset.”

The extensive work hours meant that they also met grateful neighbors who were excited to see a new business in progress, and these visits continued after the doors opened. “Residents come into the store daily to say that they are excited we are here,” Debra said. “They thank us for helping to beautify our community. They are so welcoming and happy to have us here, and we feel very appreciated.”

They also were a stop on tours given by the CORE Fund as others looked into the process of purchasing a CORE property, inspiring others with their hard work.

Visitors who have seen the other Fleurish locations should still consider a visit to the Hamilton location; a Fleurish staff member once described them as being like a family of stores with each store as a sibling. “They have a bit of their own personality,” Debra said.

For instance, the check-out desk for the Hamilton location is a combination of the talents of Debra and Doug: Debra described her ideas, Doug drew up a sketch and built it, and Debra put a paint finish on it. “It’s fun to share the creative process; we aren’t just going out and buying something and putting it in there,” Debra said. “A lot of it really has our hands in it and our touch on it.”