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Dixie Doodle shop smells like home

Weekend business focus

By ZOË HAGGARD - zhaggard@t-g.com
Posted 12/4/21

Dixie Warrick, owner of Dixie Doodle Candles and Décor in Unionville, is the epitome of why “shopping small” is gaining popularity.  

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Dixie Doodle shop smells like home

Weekend business focus

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Dixie Warrick, owner of Dixie Doodle Candles and Décor in Unionville, is the epitome of why “shopping small” is gaining popularity.  

A store filled with handmade, homey goods is more than a shop for decorating on a budget. It’s a platform for investing time and attention in the community.  

Originally from Bolivar, Tenn., Warrick has been in the Bedford area for nearly 30 years. Over the years, “We’ve gotten to know so many people in the community,” she said.  

Back in 2013, Warrick reached a time in her life where she seemed bursting from the seams with want for change. With her three daughters nearly full grown and about to leave the nest, Warrick joked she was just “dog sitting” their pets. 

“In 2013, I turned 40, and I think I lost my mind,” Warrick said with a big laugh. “I was like, I’m going to start a business.” 
So, she took the plunge and took her hobbies to a new level. 

She started out focusing on making candles—to be the southern version of Yankee Candles.  

“I had an aunt who used to call me Dixie Doodle, and I hated it. My whole life, I hated it. So, whenever I started the business, I was like, I’m going to put that to use,” Warrick recalled. 

She worked from home and did her research, concocting candles out of soy to retain more of the smells than other candles. 

Sometimes even too smelly... “Our very first batch we made, I thought we were going to be sick,” joked Warrick’s sister-and-law and employee Stephanie Wilson.  

After opening all the doors and windows to air out, they went at it again and took the yummy-smelling candles to craft fairs, like ones in Bell Buckle. They sold out in no time. 

Encouraged, Warrick also started a website as she continued working from home. Eventually, she and another friend opened up Serendipity in Bell Buckle. But facing some health issues, Warrick stepped away from the craft business and even considered retiring.  

That is until this past year.  

The building Dixie Doodle is in now, 3631 Hwy 41A North, used to be her father’s church. After the church relocated, Warrick said her family encouraged her to take shop in the little building just on the north side of Unionville.  

Dixie Doodle was opened in mid-September—the first time the business had a storefront.  

Family initiative 

Her father still pastors—and even helps with the sewing of their merchandise. 

“It’s his therapy,” Warrick said. Nearly 80 years old, he sews their handmade aprons and even cuts and sews Dixie Doodle’s leather purses.  

So, what started out on a whim turned into a family initiative. 

“It’s a lot of hard work, but we love it,” Warrick said, who finds the best reward come from the people who come in and want to buy their merchandise again and again.  

In addition to her father, Warrick’s mother helps out by always being on the lookout for ideas. Warrick’s three daughters also help to bake, paint, and sell clothing.  

In their first three weeks, by Saturday, they were empty. 

“We stay busy. Were constantly moving stuff around,” Warrick said. “And everybody is so supportive.” 

“Everybody is all about local business too,” said Wilson 

That support has helped them get to know their customers on a more personal level. Seeing faces on a regular basis, you get to know their life stories, Warrick said—their happy moments and their tragic moments.  

For those going through hard times, Warrick and Wilson pray with their customers, host give aways, and provide any support they can—like for one customer who tragically lost her husband after visiting Warrick’s shop with him.  

“It’s just...we love to do this,” Warrick said. “It’s a platform for so much more.”    

Dixie Doodle is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday.