Celebrating 10 Years: An Anniversary Letter from Rick and Melissa
10 years ago today, Grace and Lace didn't exist. I was extremely busy with my landscape company as it was Christmas light season, and Melissa had created the about to be famous boot sock that was getting attention. She was 2 days away from putting it online just to see if it would sell. We had no idea what was about to happen.
Melissa listed the pair of boot socks and sold them instantly. "Wow that was kinda cool..." A business was born but we had no idea. Melissa didn't know to turn the listing off. If she did Grace and Lace may not be around, but she didn't and 2 days later when she checked we had over 400 purchase requests.
Shipping out original Grace and Lace orders from the Hinnants' front porch
Holy smokes! I proposed to Melissa: should we tell the people, "Sorry the pair already sold" and refund their money, or try to figure it out? Melissa wanted to go for it! And Grace and Lace was born.
Opening the first Angel House orphanages in India, 2014
Making a floral map of the nations for the G&L office, 2016
Live chatting with customers, 2017
Little did we know, but God did. This was His idea, this is His business and we're simply holding on for the ride. We'll continue to do our best and bring good to the world for as long as He allows Grace and Lace to operate. Thanks be to God! Thank you to all the wonderful people who've helped in this journey and thank you to all who support us. All of God's best for us all!
Rick & Melissa Hinnant
Melissa, Rick, and the Grace and Lace Leadership Team
Melissa creating and sewing, before Grace and Lace was even a thought
Melissa listed the pair of boot socks and sold them instantly. "Wow that was kinda cool..." A business was born but we had no idea. Melissa didn't know to turn the listing off. If she did Grace and Lace may not be around, but she didn't and 2 days later when she checked we had over 400 purchase requests.
Shipping out original Grace and Lace orders from the Hinnants' front porch
Holy smokes! I proposed to Melissa: should we tell the people, "Sorry the pair already sold" and refund their money, or try to figure it out? Melissa wanted to go for it! And Grace and Lace was born.
Melissa multi-tasking, prepping leg warmers for sale, 2012
Rick and Melissa giving their pitch on Shark Tank, 2013
Shark Tank was around the corner which also meant a deal with Barbara Corcoran. Sales skyrocketed. Employees were hired overnight. It's been such a wild ride with ups, downs, tears, orphanages, helping trafficked victims, tons of hard work, many deep breaths, many laughs, building with an incredible group of people - including you, our customers - and everything in between.
Opening the first Angel House orphanages in India, 2014Making a floral map of the nations for the G&L office, 2016
Live chatting with customers, 2017
With grace,
Rick & Melissa Hinnant
Melissa, Rick, and the Grace and Lace Leadership Team
10 comments
This is why I buy from this company!! GOD , FAITH , and lots of LOVE and COMPASSION !!! Love this company and the ladies who are all involved. Beautiful story how this company all started!! Happy 10 years!!!😘
Thank you for sharing your journey. Praise God what he has done though your ministry.
You have an amazing company and you both are such good people. You give back to others and I’m so happy for your success. You make amazing, comfortable, stylish clothes for women of all ages. AND you have created an online support group of incredible women!!! ❤️🙏🏻👏🏻🙌🏻
I love all the items I have ordered!!! Great quality and excellent service!!!
Beautiful story and thank you for helping so many in need! Your products are sought after and I’ve enjoyed all my purchases from you! Here’s to many more successes in your future 💗