DALLAS — Mustard Seed Market & Home took home the Best Home Décor Store award at the Retailer Excellence Awards gala here in Dallas last night.
The event, hosted by sister pub Gifts & Decorative Accessories, recognizes high achievement in independent retailing across several categories, in addition to honoring accomplished sales representatives and other industry executives.
Blowing Rock, N.C.-based Mustard Seed is one of Home Accents Today’s 2025 Retail Stars and was one of three finalists in the category. Husband-and-wife team Ian and Madeline Stewart accepted the award.
“Hurricane Helena came through and devastated our small town,” said Madeline Stewart in her acceptance speech. She is the director of marketing and merchandising. “Shortly after, my husband and I conceived after trying for a long time, and 3 months later lost our baby.
“A few weeks later, a lady came into our store and said gosh, this is really my happy place. I love coming in here when I’m having a rough day because it brings me joy.
“And that’s when I realized that, as sales reps, retailers, and manufacturers, we have the ability to directly impact people’s lives and bring a sense of hope, joy, and peace anytime they step foot into our store. But little did I know that in some of my darkest moments, this store would also be a place of comfort of happiness for me.
“So tonight I’d like to raise a glass to all the individuals making an income in the home decor industry, while also making an impact in our customers’ lives. May we find joy in the spaces we create and continue to adapt, evolve and grow with the times.
“And if you find yourself in a rough season, remember the words of the famous Albus Dumbledore: happiness can be found even in the darkest of times if only one remembers to turn on the light.
“Thank you so much to the Home Accents Today team for honoring the Mustard Seed as a retail star and for this award. As a family-owned and operated business in a small town, we are so blessed and grateful for this recognition!”
