We recently had the chance to connect with Debra Ries & Robert Ries and have shared our conversation below.
Debra & Robert , so good to connect and we’re excited to share your story and insights with our audience. There’s a ton to learn from your story, but let’s start with a warm up before we get into the heart of the interview. What are you most proud of building — that nobody sees?
Trust and confidence. Our business deals in large part with local, independent vendors and we have only owned the store approximately ten months. The vendor market has been in existence for eight years, but it was not until the beginning of 2025 that we took it over as well. I am pleased that in this relatively short period we have brought vendors back to the market and the store. Our predecessors had fallen out of favor with many for the most part.
Can you briefly introduce yourself and share what makes you or your brand unique?
My husband and I are the proud owners of ‘Oh So Rustic’ and ‘The Brandon Sunday Market’. Our home decor store is a collection of unique items that are curated from local artist and some of the more original wholesale retailers. The store ties perfectly into our outdoor vendor market that takes place once a month in the parking lot of the plaza we are located in. It is a very symbiotic situation for all those involved. Our market features local artisans, craftspeople, gourmet food trucks, and just general good revelry. Our goal is to create a sense of community and give a platform of commerce for these individuals. Brandon has been our home for almost thirty years. We raised our three daughters here and they have gone on to blaze their own path with the ideals and principles that I would like to think were instilled here.
What I never anticipated was the opportunity to host an outdoor vendor market right in front of our store. If my own journey had taught me anything, it was the importance of community—of supporting and celebrating creative passion.
Great, so let’s dive into your journey a bit more. Who were you before the world told you who you had to be?
Having twins at twenty-one, I knew my top priority was being a mother. With that incredible responsibility came the understanding that I needed a career, not just a job. Luckily, my family had a background in the auto-body repair business, and I used the skills I grew up with to transition into the corporate world. At times, I thought that would be the end of my professional journey, but my passion for creativity and artistic expression only grew over the years. After some trial and error, I found my niche in crafting and decorating, realizing I wasn’t going to let myself be defined by expectations or the “norm.”
Was there ever a time you almost gave up?
There were times I thought my corporate career and raising our daughters might be my greatest contributions, and don’t get me wrong—our girls are what I’m most proud of. They inspire me every day. Watching them chase their dreams made me realize that staying true to my own dreams was a way of honoring them too.
I think our readers would appreciate hearing more about your values and what you think matters in life and career, etc. So our next question is along those lines. What’s a cultural value you protect at all costs?
Without a doubt, family is everything. Growing up in Tampa means I’m lucky to be surrounded by my family and their constant support. I truly believe that family values are the cornerstone of trust.
Thank you so much for all of your openness so far. Maybe we can close with a future oriented question. What will you regret not doing?
Unless our growth surpasses all expectations, travel remains a priority. Robert and I have often discussed the many places we’d love to visit and experience. He grew up in Kentucky and served in the Navy, which gave him the chance to explore much of the country and parts of the Asian Pacific. Together, we dream of experiencing Europe.
This kind of business might not lead to great wealth, but it brings satisfaction in so many other ways.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.brandonsundaymarket.com
- Instagram: @ohsorusticdecor
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/OhSoRustic
Image Credits
Robert A. Ries
