Mary Kay Horel of Meridian had been a designer for more than 35 years, with 28 of them running her own business. She and retail sales veteran Harriet McCurry of Star “should be retiring,” Horel says. “But [we] decided we would go to phase two, a creative business which we both enjoy.”

The pair decided to open Found Furnishings, a consignment store that sells items purchased at estate sales or placed by their owners. Horel and McCurry try to keep an inventory that hits a range of price points and tastes, instead of specializing in one thing. Horel also offers design services for customers.

Horel declined to say how much their startup cost but said they “both took a littlemoney from our savings. We did not want to borrow from a bank.” They expect to start making a profit in January.

Q: What did you do previously?

A: [I owned] Mary Kay Interior Designs, specializing in residential and commercial design. I still maintain this business also. Harriet McCurry managed Rocky Mountain Section PGA Office as office manager/bookkeeper for 15 years and worked at a family retail business store in Tampa, Fla., and at Pottery Barn and Dillard’s.

Q: Why did you open this store?

A: A love of furniture and accessories and the enjoyment of helping people find these items. We think the wave of the future is recycling and reusing home furnishings. A casual conversation turned into this amazing idea of our business.

Q: What challenges arose?

A: The first challenge was finding the right location, and second, finding the right goods.

Audrey Dutton: 377-6448