28 Feb 2022 501 WORKS: Robin Lewis, Bella Rustina

Before joining Ashley’s Finds, Robin Lewis had worked for 32 years in administrative, accounting, and benefits departments in the corporate world. She retired from Acxiom Corporation in 2015. Then, for more than two years, she owned an estate sale business serving families in Faulkner County. Currently, Robin works at Greenbrier Public Schools and thoroughly enjoys the atmosphere, which is very different from her corporate past.

“I believe I made a significant impact during my years at Acxiom, as I was fortunate to be involved in many important projects,” Robin said. “In my current season of work-life, I don’t have to worry about climbing any corporate ladders. Instead, I can enjoy each day as it comes and look for ways to be a blessing to at least one person.”

A decade ago, she met Ashley Norris, owner of Ashley’s Finds, during the third Antique Alley Arkansas Antique Show. “Our crowd doubled our normal attendance, and I was overwhelmed,” Ashley said. “Robin was visiting the show and noticed I needed help and dropped everything to help me. Over ten years and 55 shows later, Robin still saves the day, powers through multiple nights of little to no sleep, and helps keep my anxiety down as the shows have grown.”  

Robin believes the key to success is a strong work ethic, integrity, taking responsibility, having a good attitude and showing up to work on time. She is well organized and remains calm in stressful situations. “I believe my diversified work experiences help me tremendously with any task that I need to do with the vintage shows.”

She also appreciates antiques and enjoys meeting customers at the shows. “I have always enjoyed antique and vintage anything!” Robin said. “History is so fascinating to me. Especially vintage and architectural décor. What fun it is to enjoy the work you do and always be learning something new! 

Like her customers, Robin enjoys hearing the backstories of antiques. She loves it when items are worth more than initially thought and when a creative person repurposes an object into something useful. “People in the antique and vintage world have special and unique qualities that are wonderful to experience!” she said. “I feel so blessed to have worked in this industry for the last ten years and  to be surrounded by great co-workers.”