What began as a simple hobby for stay‑at‑home mom, Stella Holloway, has grown into one of Monroe County’s most heartfelt small‑business success stories. She is now the owner of 7 Treasures Thrift & More, a journey that started quietly while crafting late at night after her children went to bed. Stella kept pouring creativity into handmade pieces she would later sell at local craft fairs.
“I never imagined that a hobby I started as a stay-at-home mom would turn into a thriving business. It all began with crafting at night after my kids had gone to bed, pouring my creativity into handmade pieces that I would later sell at craft fairs. Those fairs were my first taste of what it felt like to share my passion with the world and people loved it,” said Stella.
As rewarding as those events were, they were also exhausting. The early mornings, the constant setup and teardown, and the unpredictability of sales made her realize she needed something more stable. That’s when she discovered vendor booth spaces. Those spaces became a way to display her creations without the grind of traveling from fair to fair. “It felt like a dream come true.”
But like any entrepreneurial path, not every booth experience was perfect. Some opportunities helped her business grow; others left her feeling discouraged. Each one, however, taught her something valuable about business, collaboration, and trusting her instincts.
Eventually, she took a bigger leap and partnered with someone to open a store, a place where she could sell her crafts alongside thrift and sundry items at affordable prices. The venture was full of excitement and potential, but over time, it became clear that the partnership didn’t align with her vision. Ending that chapter was difficult, but it opened the door to something better.
From that turning point came the most transformative decision of her life: opening her own store, on her own terms. No partners. No compromises. Just faith, determination, and the lessons learned along the way. Starting from scratch was intimidating, but it was also liberating. She poured her heart into creating a space where customers could find amazing deals on things they might not be able to afford in big retail stores. While she slowed down on crafting, she still finds joy in creating handmade pieces that now have a special place in her shop. The store is located at 119 Pedigo Road in Madisonville.
The name 7 Treasures Thrift & More carries deep personal meaning. Her husband has seven children, including the three youngest they are raising together. Each one is considered a treasure. The name reflects the importance of family, love, and appreciating the special things in life. Just as treasures come in many forms, the shop is filled with unique finds, meaningful items, and a welcoming atmosphere where everyone is invited to feel at home.
What makes 7 Treasures truly special is that every visit is a new experience. The “& More” is not just a tagline, it’s a promise, says Stella. The shop blends thrift items with local vendors, specialty foods, treats, fresh baked goods, handmade products, and a friendly hometown feel. It’s a place built on connections and not just transactions.
For Stella and her creative family, the people are the heart of it all. She loves getting to know customers, hearing their stories, and creating a space where visitors feel welcomed, encouraged, and appreciated. Seeing someone leave with a smile, whether it’s because they found something special or simply felt cared for. “That’s what makes the work worthwhile,” Stella said.
One of her proudest moments has been watching her business grow into a place people genuinely enjoy visiting and talking about. Building something from the ground up and seeing customers return again and again is a reward that words can hardly capture.
Her motivation comes from faith, family, and the desire to build something meaningful for the community. Her family has been her greatest influence and support system, and she draws inspiration from other small business owners who work hard, stay determined, and pour their hearts into serving others.
