Meet Kim Wilson of Atlanta’s Beloved Lucy’s Market
Lucy’s Market grew from a parking lot produce stand into a beloved lifestyle destination. Here, founder Kim Wilson shares the emporium's backstory and what goes into the magic behind Lucy's! Image: Facebook / Lucy's Market
Kim Wilson never imagined a little produce stand could grow into a Southern institution. In 2009, after years in advertising sales and tending to her own sprawling garden, she took a leap of faith, opening Lucy’s Market on an abandoned gas station lot in Atlanta. Named for the important women in her life (her grandmother and daughter), it began as a simple neighborhood spot for local produce.
Fast-forward to today, and that “little market” has become a sprawling, 7,000+ square foot destination, overflowing with curated gourmet foods, exceptional wines, beautiful home decor, flowers, and sought-after gift baskets. Learn how Lucy’s Market became a must-visit shopping experience, both in Atlanta and online.
What sparked your pivot from advertising to opening a produce market?
My love of gardening really lit the spark. I had this big backyard garden that brought me so much joy, and at the same time, I was craving a career that allowed me to control my own schedule.
The idea of creating a neighborhood market where people could pick up truly fresh, beautiful produce felt natural. It combined creativity, community, and a lifestyle I wanted for myself.
You’ve called yourself an “accidental entrepreneur.” What did those early days look like when Lucy’s was just taking shape on that old gas station lot?
Those early days were long and scrappy. I was dropping my kids off at school in a car literally filled with boxes of produce, working every hour I could, and relying heavily on friends who volunteered to help me get the market off the ground.
My community truly carried me through those first years … customers who believed in me, neighbors who spread the word, and friends who showed up to work the counter. That sense of community support and connection is still the backbone of Lucy’s today.
Lucy’s Market has evolved into a full-blown lifestyle destination. Was that shift intentional, or did it happen organically over time?
It happened completely organically. I started stocking things I personally loved and items I wished I could find in a local market. Little by little, I added products my customers were asking for — gourmet foods, home decor, serving pieces, flowers. The lifestyle side grew naturally as I listened to what people needed and filled in those gaps.
The market feels as much like a home design boutique as it does a gourmet grocery. How do you approach curating that distinctive “Lucy’s look?”
I rely a lot on instinct. I know immediately when something “looks like Lucy’s.” But behind that, I’m paying extremely close attention to every detail: taste, texture, color, packaging, even how an item sits on a shelf.
We’re constantly evolving based on seasonality, trends, and customer needs, but the curation always comes back to quality and visual harmony. Casual shoppers may not realize how much thought goes into each product’s aesthetic and how intentionally everything works together.
What’s an average day like for you?
There really is no such thing as an average day! I juggle more than six departments, and on any given day, I’m involved in everything from online sales to store merchandising to social media. I’m constantly reviewing new products, checking in with staff, and making sure each department has what it needs. Every day feels different, which is part of what I love.
You’re known for creating a fabulous team culture. Could you tell me a little about how you do that?
We have more than 20 employees (sometimes many more during the holidays), and I work hard to make sure the culture is upbeat, supportive, and genuinely fun. The pace is fast, but the energy is great.
I want customers to know my employees, and I want my employees to know our customers. That sense of connection is important to me. Clear communication is a priority, and I try to create an environment where people feel valued and want to stay.
What’s a common misconception people have about owning a store of your size?
People assume that running a staff of 20-plus is effortless. It’s not! It requires constant communication, patience, and a great deal of intention. Managing the behind-the-scenes aspects — the schedules, personalities, and logistics — requires just as much work as curating the products.
If you could have one person (past or present) shop at Lucy’s and enjoy some wine, who would it be and why?
Don Harp, the former pastor of PRUMC. He was a trusted confidant and dear friend, and he played an instrumental role in my success. Sharing a glass of wine and walking him through the market today would mean a lot.
What are your best hosting tips going into the holidays?
Never run out of food or alcohol; those are non-negotiables. And you can never have too many flowers. Fresh blooms elevate everything and make a home feel instantly festive.
What’s the best advice you’ve received and from whom?
A dear friend once told me not to worry about my competition, but to keep my eyes on “my own ball.” That advice grounded me and still guides how I run the business today.
What advice can you give those considering starting a business?
Do something you’re passionate about and that you enjoy, but most importantly, start small. When people open a retail concept with a million dollars worth of product and don’t know their customers, that’s when they run into trouble. I started small and learned what my customers wanted, and also stocked things that I would want myself.
What’s on the horizon for Lucy’s? Any exciting holiday pop-ups or new products?
We’re heading into what we call “our Super Bowl.” The store is fully decorated for the holidays, and we’re hosting a visit from The Ornament King, artist Christopher Radko. We’re already deep into holiday gifting prep and sourcing new items. Everything we do this time of year is about helping customers create truly magical holiday memories.
LIGHTNING ROUND!
What’s your go-to hostess gift right now? A flower arrangement from M. Delia Designs.
Bucket-list vacation destination? Thailand!
Favorite “hidden gem” in the Southeast? Boca Grande (Florida) is my go-to.
See all that Kim and her team have stocked up at LucysMarket.com.
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Zoe Yarborough
Zoe is a StyleBlueprint staff writer, Charlotte native, Washington & Lee graduate, and Nashville transplant of eleven years. She teaches Pilates, helps manage recording artists, and likes to "research" Germantown's food scene.