The Storia Chapter

“Five years ago, I opened the doors to Storia Home with a dream of creating a space that celebrated beautiful objects, small makers, and the joy of gathering around home.”

Even writing that sentence brings a mix of emotions. Pride. Gratitude. Relief. Sadness. And maybe most of all, reflection.

When I opened Storia, it was truly a dream. I wanted to create a place that celebrated beautiful objects, thoughtful design, and the magic of supporting small businesses. For five years, Storia became exactly that. A gathering place. A place to discover makers. A place where people would wander in and tell me stories about their homes, their families, and the things that mattered to them.

Three of those years were incredibly strong. The store was vibrant and full of energy. But the last two years were challenging in ways I didn’t anticipate. Economically, logistically, and personally. Running two businesses at once asked more of me than I expected. It challenged me as a business owner, as an ambitious human, and as someone who admittedly has a bit of a perfectionist streak.

Owning a small business is not for the faint of heart.

And yet, along the way, people shared words with me that filled my heart in ways I will never forget:

“Grandpa would be proud.”
“You should be proud of the opportunities you gave others.”
“Thank you for making my house so beautiful.”
“We love your store.”
“Wishing you all the best — we will certainly follow your next chapter.”
“That’s what friends are for.”
“I know this is hard. I’m so proud of you.”

And one that stuck with me the most:
“What if you didn’t try?”

Those words remind me that Storia was never just a store. It was an experience, a community, and a creative chapter of my life that I will always be proud of.

Right now, I find myself in a season of resetting. I’m focusing my energy on Gina Rachelle Design, the business that started it all, and reflecting on what I want the next chapter of life to look like as a 45-year-old woman — how I spend my time, where I place my energy, and what truly matters. I’m 45 and still figuring it out.

Storia isn’t disappearing completely. It will continue online and through seasonal pop-ups and special events. But closing the doors of the physical store marks the end of a meaningful chapter.

And while it’s bittersweet, I keep coming back to that question:

“What if you didn’t try?”

I’m so glad I did.