3 minute read
INFOCUSE
THE OLD MANGO
HOME DÉCOR & MORE IN DOWNTOWN OP
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WRITTEN BY BETHANEY PHILLIPS / PHOTOS BY JAMI BOWMAN
For 20 years, owner Courtney Caldwell had the idea for The Old Mango, a boutique home décor and interior design location. She even had the business name picked out, named after an old country song. But the entire time she thought it was just that—an idea, a dream that would never come true. She had a steady career that she loved and a growing family at home. Working as a nurse for 24 years, she thought she would retire as a nurse and was always fearful to take the leap into small business ownership. But one day she gained the courage to follow through on her dream. With the stress and changes brought on by the pandemic, she had to reevaluate and refocus on what was most important for her family. She ultimately decided she would leave health care and take a leap of faith. Caldwell was quick to mention the support of her husband and children, who regularly help with the store. “This is our family’s store, and no one has worked harder to make it possible than my husband, Trevor. We are a large blended family, and my kids have been my best supporters.” Caldwell mentioned that it was scary. “It was risky, and I’m a very calculated person. I don’t like to take risks,” she explains. With COVID, however, she saw peoples’ homes become their sanctuary and security. She wanted to help others make a beloved space of their own. “I did a lot of self-reflection and tried to align my priorities. And I said to myself, You know what? I’m just going to go for it!” Six months later she was up and running, even partnering with other stores and community events. Located in downtown Overland Park (one of Caldwell’s favorite locations), she sells home and garden décor and items from local vendors and artisans, including fair trade, ethical, and sustainable pieces whenever possible. She feels there is a deep importance to be as sustainable as possi-
ble. “I love reusing and repurposing in unexpected ways,” she explains. With a mix of new, vintage, and antique, Caldwell says she’s able to pull all of her favorite looks into one. “I love mixing old and new. Each piece tells a story, and that story is meant to be shared. The shop is really a culmination of all of those things.” She handpicks each item, which she says not only makes the store and design process more personal, it also brings her joy to see clients find the perfect piece for their home and to share a little about her story in the process. “These are all things that I really love and appreciate and would have in my home,” she says, adding that she puts a heavy focus on plants and garden items, bringing the outdoors inside whenever possible. “I love bringing the outdoors into the rest of the shop and bringing it into the rest of the home or an unexpected space. Adding plants and natural elements is a major part of my design.” Caldwell also offers interior design services for spaces of all sizes, including new builds or small remodels. “I really hit the ground running,” she says. “It’s been wonderful. The community in downtown Overland Park and the surrounding area have been so welcoming and supportive of the store and our family.”
The Old Mango partners with their neighboring shop, McNary’s Furniture, to offer an exclusive, custom line of handcrafted furniture made from reclaimed wood. The overstated, exaggerated, turned legs make this custom line a show-stopper. Customers agree that the unique mix of home decor, garden, and interior design services are an exciting and much-needed addition to the downtown neighborhood. Many customers are in awe of the store’s charm and character when they step into The Old Mango. Manon E. said, “What a gem in downtown Overland Park! The owners are the epitome of Midwest nice. They gave me decorating advice, including how to hang my new hanging planter. The purchase was the finishing touch our half bath remodel needed.”
The Old Mango • 7230 W. 79th St., Overland Park, KS • 913.261.9719 • theoldmango.com • @the.old.mango
