Rising Stars: Meet Courtney Scantlin

Today we’d like to introduce you to Courtney Scantlin.

Hi Courtney, so excited to have you with us today. What can you tell us about your story? 
My name is Courtney Scantlin, and I started my business during COVID. I was working full-time as an Executive Assistant in the Sacramento area and was sent home suddenly. As the weeks passed, and I had more time on my hands, I knew I needed to do something else. I am originally from Southern California and owned a boutique for a few years before life circumstances forced me to close. I always knew in my heart it was something I would eventually do again. Fast forward to 2020, shops were closing left and right, everyone was staying home, and families were scrambling to work, teach their kids, and keep life going in a crazy world. That is when it clicked: I wanted to support female makers who were trying to keep their sanity by creating beautiful things. Cedar and Twine was born, an online gift store that allowed people to support female makers from the comfort of their home. I have always been passionate about being involved with charities, so I also choose a charity each year that is making an impact in their community to give a portion of all proceeds to. 

Here we are in 2024, and I opened a brick-and-mortar a little over a year ago in a small town close to my home. It has been a wild and wonderful ride, and I am beyond grateful for the incredible support I have received. Since opening a retail location, I have been able to add amazing pieces of secondhand furniture and vintage goodies. In the next month, I will be moving even closer to my home into a larger space, and I couldn’t be more excited. 

Can you talk to us a bit about the challenges and lessons you’ve learned along the way? Looking back, would you say it’s been easy or smooth in retrospect?
Being a small business owner is challenging on so many levels. You do all of the things, I am the marketer, the finance department, the buyer, the merchandiser and the worrier when there are slow days….and there will always be slow days! I have had to change my mindset and not stress over the little things. I firmly believe if you provide an amazing service, word will get out, and people will support you. 

Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
I think what sets Cedar and Twine apart from other small businesses is my passion for people. Not only do I love supporting female makers, but I love people. Getting to know my customers is what brings me joy. My store is a community, a community of people who appreciate shopping small, value quality products and unique treasures. I want my customers to come in and feel seen, special, and loved. My hope is from the moment they walk in they feel at home. 

Where do you see things going in the next 5-10 years?
I think the next year is going to be hard for the small business owners. There has been a recent shift in small businesses that can absolutely be scary, but you only live once. I don’t want to be at the end of my life and wish I had done something. People have to stop shopping the big retailers and start shopping small; it is vital to our communities. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.cedarandtwineco.com
• Instagram: cedarandtwineco
• Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100089205064843

Image Credits
Courtney Scantlin