“We just did it because we didn’t want to be open all the time,” says Jean Wilson Freeman. “We both had kids in school, and we were doing car pickups and the whole thing,” adds her sister Cathleen Wilson Seay. “We just couldn’t be open all the time. And it takes a minute to find all the stuff.”
The sisters are referring to their pop-up shop, Wilson Girls, which they opened together in 2018. Tucked between Unity Park and Woodside Mill, the boutique, once an old fuel station, overflows with an eclectic mix of old and new home goods. It’s a whole vibe, and Greenville is line-out-the-door obsessed, partly because it’s only open five weekends a year.
It’s a model that works for the sisters, and one they don’t plan on changing anytime soon. “It’s two in the spring, three in the fall, and they’re always Thursday, Friday, Saturday from 10 to 5,” says Jean. “Occasionally we’ll throw in a last-chance day, like the Thursday before Christmas.”
Jean is an artist and Cathleen’s background is corporate, but they both have an eye for a good buy, which they credit to their parents. “We grew up going to flea markets and auctions with our parents,” says Cathleen. “Our dad would give us some spending money, so from a very young age we collected things.”
Good Finds at Wilson Girls
These days, between pop-ups, especially during the summer, the sisters hunt for good finds at estate sales and auctions, and the shop brims with vintage pieces—from classic blue-and-white china to repurposed lamps. The old finds pair easily with the new, like candles, throws, and serveware. But the duo is particularly proud of the local makers lining their shelves—Karen Schipper, Good Printed Things, and Kuka Home to name a few. In addition to Jean’s artwork, they try to have a visiting artist featured at three of the pop-ups.
It’s a beautiful, thoughtful curation, and a clear reflection of both Cathleen and Jean’s creativity and knack for design. They joke together about stocking too many spoons, or that they themselves end up being good customers when the charcuterie serveware comes in. In the end, it all comes down to good taste.
“We’re funny. We don’t necessarily care if it’s some beautiful fine antique. If we like it, we’re going to get it,” says Cathleen “Our rule is if we wouldn’t have it in our houses, we can’t have it in the shop. That way it looks like us.”
Cathleen’s Tips
“You can take inspiration from really fancy things and get a look for less. I just think you can be creative and get something that gives the same vibe.” Her suggestion—find a vintage lamp and pair it with a new shade.
Jean’s Tips
“We always find stuff all summer, so the first pop-up in the fall is a killer. And we have stuff at every price point. We want everyone to feel like they can come and find something they can afford.”
Grab Bag
Pillows printed with patterns from Jean’s artwork; Tinned Fish Candles (smells better than you think!); clay cabinet knobs from Barb Blair
Wilson Girls will be open in the fall, September 4–6, October 23–25, and December 4–6. For more information, visit their Instagram @wilsongirlsllc.
