Angie Cook, founder and owner of Hester & Cook, has spent two decades transforming the art of entertaining with her elegant paper goods and home decor. The Hendersonville native took her creative vision to the next level, turning wine stoppers into a full-fledged business with products ranging from stationery to tablescape accessories. Hester & Cook has grown to include wholesale showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas, and Las Vegas. As the company celebrates its 20th anniversary, Angie continues to inspire hosts and homemakers with beautifully crafted products that turn everyday moments into memorable occasions.
What inspired you to begin Hester & Cook?
Hester & Cook was founded in 2005 under the brand KnobStoppers. The KnobStopper was a vintage doorknob crafted into a wine and bottle stopper, and this product launched the entire business. Other products followed suit — lighting, textiles, home accessories, stationery, and then the paper placemat.
We marketed under several brands and decided to merge them under one name. Since my husband Robbie and I founded the business together, we chose Hester & Cook, which is my last name (Hester) and my husband’s name (Cook).
This year, Hester & Cook is celebrating its 20th anniversary. Congratulations! Looking back, what has been the most rewarding part of this journey, and what are you doing to celebrate?
We kicked off our anniversary year with a celebration in our wholesale showrooms in Atlanta, Dallas, and Las Vegas with dinnerware giveaways, a party, and special appearances by some of our artists. We will continue the celebration throughout this year with special products, giveaways, events, and surprises in our retail stores in Franklin and Nashville, as well as on hesterandcook.com.
The most rewarding part has been pioneering and creating a tabletop category — the creative journey is what fuels my passion. Equally rewarding is the team that has made it all happen. I am so honored to work alongside this creative and talented team, and I am deeply grateful for all our team members, both past and present. Working and doing life alongside my husband Robbie has also been such a gift.
The shop is known for its beautifully curated home accessories. How do you select the brands and products you sell in your store?
Our amazing buying team carefully curates an assortment with our brand partners. Many items are chosen because they complement the tabletop stories of our own products. We also love local and try to bring those makers into our assortment whenever we can.
What styles in home decor are you most excited about right now?
I love the diversity in home decor right now, from color drenching to the use of fabrics like velvet. This shows up in drapery (which I adore), upholstered pieces, and even fabric on walls and ceilings. I’m also excited about wallpaper making a strong comeback. All of this is underscored by the pursuit of sustainable materials and using well-made antiques instead of purchasing new “fast-fashion” furniture or home accessories.
Adjacent to this is the still-growing trend of entertaining at home; the focus on creating beautiful tables and guest experiences fits right into my passions.
Hester & Cook is a staple in Nashville. How has the city’s creative culture influenced your business?
I love how Nashville has evolved into a prominent Southern city with tremendous growth but still hangs on to its Southern roots. It has grown exponentially as a sophisticated city with a firm foothold in entertaining “the Southern way.” The creativity is so energizing! We love interfacing and collaborating with this community. The pool of talented creatives has also made the hiring process much more successful.
What is your favorite piece in your home, and why does it hold special meaning for you?
Wow, that is a tough question. There are many! I have this amazing large arched mirror that was rescued from a Nashville home circa the late 1800s. It was a gift from my husband Robbie several Christmases ago. It is beautifully loved, with missing pieces of the gilded plaster details. I have always loved pieces that are not perfect.
How do you personally define the perfect tablescape? Any must-have elements?
Texture, ambiance, botanicals, layers, and engaging my guests are my guidelines (acronym: TABLE). I love adding whimsy and unexpected items. I often style with candy at Easter and Christmas; it is so fun and magical. And, of course, I always use Hester & Cook in some way. I truly believe there is always a moment for paper on the table, even if it is just a place card.
What is the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
It is never a good idea to hire friends or family. This is a very risky situation, which has a high likelihood of ending badly. It is difficult for relationships to repair after this occurs.
Outside of faith, family, and friends, what three things can’t you live without?
My amazing Hester & Cook team, all my sweet animals, and travel.
LIGHTNING ROUND
Favorite way to unwind after a busy day at the shop? Dinner at the table with my family, including candlelight and music.
Self-care item you can’t live without? A hot, candle-lit bath. Every. Single. Night.
Favorite room in your home? It is a tie between my kitchen and living room.
What’s on your nightstand? A photo of me and my two sisters (Amanda and Amie), Ann Voskamp’s book One Thousand Gifts, the latest magazine I picked up. Laneige lip mask, a notebook and pen, candles, and a beautiful brass lamp I have had since I was 20.
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