Behind the Lens: Tina Wilson's Journey from Photographer to Business Maven
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Ever wonder what happens when you release your white-knuckle grip on what seems "too good to let go"? Tina Wilson's remarkable journey from portrait photographer to business maven reveals the surprising gifts that come from open hands and divine timing.
From finding her cordless phone in the freezer as an identity-starved new mom to hearing a mysterious voice on a drive home from Chattanooga, Tina's path to founding Reclaimed Home unfolds with raw honesty and unexpected turns. Her story resonates with anyone who's ever questioned their purpose or wondered if they've taken a wrong career turn.
The conversation explores how Tina's early photography success at JC Penney's portrait studio in 1991 evolved through seasons of pride, painful business lessons, and personal growth. We dive deep into the moment she received the vision for Reclaimed Home and how surrendering control created space for something far beyond her original dreams. Today, her business employs around 20 people across retail, interior design, styling services, and photography – a reality she "couldn't have been sold for a nickel" would exist a decade ago.
Tina shares her beautiful philosophy that we're all "always on the middle step" of life's staircase – reaching up for wisdom while extending a hand to those coming behind us. This perspective has transformed her approach to leadership and creating spaces that "welcome story and warmth" for families throughout Northeast Tennessee.
Whether you're questioning your professional identity, facing tough business decisions, or simply looking to create a more meaningful home environment, this conversation offers wisdom that transcends interior design. Discover why Tina considers her work "stewardship rather than entrepreneurship" and how that mindset creates exceptional experiences from the first phone call to the final pillow placement.
To help you to navigate the home buying and mortgage process, Jonathan & Steve are currently licensed in Tennessee, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, and Virginia, contact us today at 423-491-5405 or visit www.jonathanandsteve.com.
Chapters
1. Welcome to Benchmark Happenings (00:00:00)
2. Tina's Photography Journey (00:01:42)
3. Finding Identity Beyond the Camera (00:05:25)
4. The Birth of Reclaimed Home (00:08:40)
5. The Business Structure Today (00:16:35)
6. Creating Exceptional Home Experiences (00:22:15)
7. Store Location and Community Events (00:25:31)
58 episodes