Rising Stars: Meet Lise Davis

Today we’d like to introduce you to Lise Davis.

Hi Lise, so excited to have you on the platform. So before we get into questions about your work-life, maybe you can bring our readers up to speed on your story and how you got to where you are today?
I was born and raised in Winter Park! I moved away to go to college at the University of Alabama and then to live and work in Charlotte NC but moved back home after getting married. Upon returning my sister and I started Ayers Davis Interiors. My mom had owned an interior design business here for 30 years and we grew up around the field. We have owned Ayers Davis for over 15 years and we have been so lucky to have amazing clients and projects. I saw a need to find interesting furniture, accessories and other pieces for clients and wasn’t having much luck. I also have always dreamed of having a small home shop! The model is based off of wonderful shops in Birmingham and Charlotte that share space with their interior design firms. This is how The Hunt was born. We started selling on Instagram but quickly opened up a shop in Winter Park. We are open Wednesdays- Fridays and we do our Instagram sales on Mondays. It has been a whirlwind but so much fun. We are growing everyday! We love collaborating with other women owned businesses in town and that has been so inspiring throughout this journey. Besides Ayers Davis Interiors and The Hunt we share space with Wade and Gray Jewelry and Mindy Day Designs. It has been so much fun to have this amazing collection of women in one space.

I am married and have two boys, Campbell and Hunt.

We all face challenges, but looking back would you describe it as a relatively smooth road?
It has been relatively smooth. I feel like we have had such a great response to the shop and the idea of The Hunt. I am learning something new everyday about retail because it is very different than being a designer. It has been such an amazing new creative outlet for me and I am excited to go to work everyday. It all happened so fast but it has been a fun ride.

Alright, so let’s switch gears a bit and talk business. What should we know about your work?
The Hunt sells furniture, accessories and small gifts. I think we are making our mark but we are most known for having great rattan pieces, one of a kind vintage glassware and small accessories to finish off a room. We are different from other shops because I also have my hand in Ayers Davis Interiors so it gives me real insight to help customers who come in looking for special pieces for their homes.

I’m super proud of starting this business from scratch. I was going through a very hard time in my life. My dad had passed away suddenly and I felt lost. I could either sink or swim. He inspired me to not waste another second and to take a chance on a dream.

If we knew you growing up, how would we have described you?
Growing up I was the middle child in our family. I have always been a big people pleaser, very social and outgoing. I have always loved details, whether planning a party, rearranging a room or finding that perfect gift for someone. I have always dreamed of having my own shop and as a young girl even owned a real cash register to “play” shop.

Contact Info:

• Email: thehuntwinterpark@gmail.com
• Website: www.thehuntwinterpark.com
• Instagram: @thehuntwp

Image Credits
Abby Liga Photography
Scout Guide Orlando
KM Studio