Finnleys Good Findings has consistently drawn both local and out-of-town shoppers seeking beautiful, inspired style items at affordable prices. From the laid-back layout of the shop to the hand-picked fashion lines, owner Dawn Craig is behind every detail.
You wouldn’t guess it, but taking on a small business wasn’t in Craig’s plans. With stints in California, Mexico, Minnesota and Alabama, the native Texan spent years working as an account manager, moving from place to place with her husband and four children. But even then, the family craved a steadfast community, so they jumped at the opportunity to plant roots, quite literally, at a 15-acre farm south of Franklin.
“It’s our eighth home in eight years,” Craig said. “We’ve got cows, goats and chickens…I grew up on a ranch in Texas, so things have come full circle. Well, except for the store.”
In 2014, inspiration for Finnleys Good Findings struck. Craig had wanted to purchase a boutique business in Franklin and when the former Good Findings, owned by Linda and Nicole Gardner, went up for sale, she put in a bid. Opting to keep the Gardners’ “Good Findings” moniker, Craig added her own spin with the addition of “Finnleys” to honor her eight-year old daughter who has a confident sense of style.
“Finnley is so true to herself and comfortable in her own skin and that’s what I want for my customers—to be comfortable in expressing themselves through their personal fashion senses,” she said.
At Finnleys Good Findings, Craig intentionally keeps price points accessible and sells a collection of both trendy and business-casual items from brands like Level 99, JOA, Moon River and Simply Southern. The atmosphere is warm and inviting while still maintaining a small-boutique chic, with rotating collections and an attentive staff that encourages customers to try on items they choose.
“I want the clothes looking good on the customers and not just on the hangers,” Craig said. “It’s rewarding to see people’s eyes light up with they find something!”
Interacting with customers is Craig’s favorite perk of the job and she loves taking a hands-on approach in helping shoppers find things that work for them—may it be a Ronaldo charm bracelet or a pair of strappy summer wedges.
“The customer-owner relationship is really important to me. When someone walks into my store I want it to be easy—I don’t want them having to work really hard to find something they need,” Craig said.
As a Main Street merchant, Craig’s clientele is made up of dedicated regulars along with interesting visitors from all over the world — many of them young, working mothers, like herself.
“Everyone in Franklin just feels like family, and that’s how we try and treat everyone that steps foot in Finnleys — like family,” she said. “After living in so many different places, I’ve found that’s what truly makes a place your home and I love being a part of that.”
It’s here, in a sea of shoppers with eclectic backgrounds, that the globe-trotting owner finally feels settled.
“I get to witness precious moments at Finnleys Good Findings, every day.”
Finnleys Good Findings is located at 435 Main Street, and is open Monday through Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m., and Sunday from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. For more information, go to www. finnleysonline.com.
