In June 2022, Rachel and Ike took the leap into business ownership at Whitaker Family Furniture. Formerly known as Furniture Outpost, they rebranded to create a family-focused space, emphasizing not just furniture but a welcoming atmosphere where every visitor becomes part of the family. From the family-friendly quality furniture that can withstand family movie nights and impromptu wrestling matches, to staying affordable for younger families - they even have a bounce house in their store to accommodate kids. Needless to say, family is important and they wanted that reflected in their brand.
With a new name, Whitaker FAMILY Furniture, came the motto "Where one visit makes you family.” This commitment extends beyond selling furniture; it's about building a community where support and care are integral. True to their motto, Ike and Rachel actively support those facing challenges in their community.
Enter Savannah, a young single mother of three who recently completed nursing school. Balancing the responsibilities of motherhood and pursuing her career, Savannah sought to transform her house into a home. Financial constraints, however, posed challenges.
Rachel stepped in to assist Savannah in her journey. Starting with a coffee table and two end tables, Savannah took advantage of in-house financing, working diligently to pay off her purchases over the next year. Despite her progress, the much-needed sofa remained out of reach.
Savannah faced a challenging year, grappling with illness and subsequent job loss due to medical issues. Rachel, having experienced the struggles of single motherhood herself, empathized with Savannah's hardships and was determined to provide support. Savannah’s efforts did not go unseen.
As Christmas approached, the Whitaker family, both by blood and through their sense of community, gathered to surprise Savannah with a complete living room makeover. The surprise went beyond the sofa, including a console table, accessories, freshly painted walls, and framed pictures of Savannah's most cherished possessions—her children. The news heard of the story, and they also wanted to be involved!
In a quick 2.5-hour transformation while Savannah was out relaxing, Whitaker Family Furniture, with the help of Savannah's mother, turned her rental into a warm and inviting home. The surprise was captured in a video, showing the genuine outpouring of support and goodwill from those who volunteered their time and effort to surprise a stranger.
