Member Spotlight

Walton’s Antique and Estate Jewelry

We recently sat down with Julie Walton Garland, a Williamson County native, to learn more about Walton’s Antique and Estate Jewelry. This family owned, and operated business has been a staple of Main Street Franklin for 35 years. In this Member Spotlight, we discover just how deep their Williamson County roots go.

Melba Walton, Julie’s grandmother, an entrepreneur by heart, came upon the idea to sell jewelry after inheriting several valuable pieces from her grandmother in the 1960’s. Melba’s two sisters were only interested in the big, costume jewelry, while Melba took notice of the fine gold and platinum pieces that were left behind. It was here where she decided to take those valuable pieces and start selling them to interested buyers at neighboring Flea Markets. Melba did not have a booth or table at any markets, but she did have a blanket, which she laid across the hood of her car to allow the jewelry to speak for itself.

Melba did substantially well at the markets and decided to take the chance to turn her idea into a real business. In 1974, she bought her first store front in Carter’s Court, Franklin. During her 9 years in Carter’s Court, Melba saw great success and opened a second business next door, called The Sassy Shop, a women’s boutique clothing store.

After splitting her time between two successful businesses, Melba decided to close The Sassy Shop to focus more of her attention on Walton’s, because that is where her passion truly lied. After the closing of The Sassy Shop, she packed up her store in Carter’s Court and moved straight to Main Street in Downtown Franklin. The storefront Melba purchased on Main Street in 1983 is still the current residence of Walton’s today, which Julie mentions is one of the best business decisions Melba ever made.

Walton’s specializes in pre-1940’s estate and antique jewelry that they hand select from antique shows, estate sales, and individuals that inherit pieces that they just don’t wear anymore. Julie’s father, Michael, loves to travel and is constantly making new connections with local, out-of-town jewelers to continue increasing their unique, ever-changing inventory. Every piece of jewelry in Walton’s is one-of-a-kind, and customers can be positive that no other person walking down Main Street has the same.

Julie’s grandmother single-handedly started her own business in the 1960’s. Walton’s has grown vastly since Melba applied for her first business loan in the ‘70s, a time when women still legally needed a male co-signer. Melba knew then, and Julie knows now that the more their business grows and evolves, the more success they will see. Julie’s piece of advice to any business owner? Never be afraid to try something different.

Another aspect that Julie attributes to Walton’s success is their location in Williamson County, specifically their Main Street storefront that has been their home since 1983. The character, familiar faces, and the overall helpful and engaging community that is Downtown Franklin, allows Walton’s to see success year after year. Some customers have been buying from Melba since she was selling jewelry from the hood of her car at the flea markets. Now, their children and grandchildren are loyal Walton’s customers.

Aside from their dutiful and varied clientele, Julie mentions that the business community in downtown Franklin is unlike any other she has experienced. Everyone supports each other and works to keep business in Franklin and Williamson County. Another piece of advice that she would give to community members? Shop local. If there is something you can buy from a local store, then go there first. Build relationships with your local business owners and support those that you enjoy doing business with.

Walton’s is a third generation, family-owned business that works to find unique and one-of-kind pieces that speak to their customers. To get the full effect of Walton’s, they recommend that you stop in, say hi, and let their ever-changing inventory speak for itself. If you find that you just don’t have the time to stop in, they recently launched their new online shop last year, meaning that you can buy Walton’s jewelry anywhere at any time. You can also create a wish list, so that you can be sure to get exactly what you are looking for, or closely similar to, since no one piece is the same.

Next time you’re wandering down Main Street Franklin, stop into Walton’s and check out their vast inventory. If you’re looking forward to the upcoming Downtown Franklin festival season, make sure to walk down to 410 Main Street to check out Walton’s or possibly adopt an animal. Walton’s partners with the Williamson County Animal Center in a way to become more involved in the community. When can you ever say that you rescued an animal and bought a truly one-of-a-kind piece of jewelry? They welcome all customer requests and are always working on ways to become more engaged with community members.

If you have any questions or are looking for something specific that you have yet to find, give Walton’s a call at 615-790-0244, or check out their website at waltonsjewelry.com. Julie is also one of eleven in the nation on the Facebook small business council so make sure to check out their Instagram, Facebook or Twitter to see their current inventory and start adding to your wish list today!