Maggie Tucker-Magpies

Magpies has been one of our favorite shops since moving to Nashville. Not only do they have adorable clothing and gifts but have created a culture of giving back to the community. I had the opportunity to chat with owner, Maggie Tucker. Read our Q + A Interview below.

TNM: Did you dream that when you were growing up in Franklin, TN that you would one day have a store front on Main Street?

MT: YES!! I would come all the time, for every holiday, weekly shopping, senior lunches, etc. As I walked Main Street I always imagined what it would be like to own a little store on my favorite street!

TNM: When did the seed of owning a children’s shop get planted and what is it like to see that dream come to fruition?

MT: I was working in Atlanta for Jackie Howard at Paces Papers. She mentioned one day buying her business, and told me whatever I did in life, whether it be run her store or start my own, business ownership needed to be a part of it. I hadn’t REALLY imagined owning my own company, but she gave me both hope and clarity that I could make it happen. And while living in Atlanta, I visited a precious baby store, Baby Braithwaite, and decided if I ever did own a business, I wanted it to be a children’s store. Now, fast forward more than 10 years, it’s been incredible to watch this dream both come to life and also continue to evolve. I feel tremendously blessed by the love and support of Franklin and Nashville. I have been able to see my original ideas and goals realized, and then put plans and dreams for new ones into action. We’re very much still writing this little magpies story, and I’m continually hopeful and excited to see where it will go!
TNM: Your shop is not only a place to purchase items but has become a place for girls to grow, to feel more confident about themselves and a place they feel accepted in the midst of an ever-changing time in their lives. Why is it so important to you to pour into your customers’ lives in such a big way?

MT: It comes so natural to me. I think God blessed me with a very big heart and a large capacity for knowing and serving others. It’s second nature, ingrained in me, and truly I don’t even think about it. When I ask someone how they’re doing, what their weekend plans are, how their school day went, how they played in their game-I genuinely care and want to know. It’s a gift that people fill our stores every day, and I always want them to feel seen and know they matter! They are the reason magpies exists!

TNM: Magpies is known for not only creating a happy place for girls to shop but for giving back to the Middle Tennessee area. Tell us about your #12 Days of Giving.

MT: In the retail world the 12 days of Christmas is a common theme for sales and promos. For our 2 Christmases or so we killed ourselves creating deals and marketing them. I decided in December of 2017 that we weren’t going to continue to spend our time and resources marketing and promoting sales in the magnitude. We were a quality brand, with a great guest experience, free gift wrap and honestly we shouldn’t be discounting this amazing experience we offer. And furthermore, we were pacing to have the best holiday season EVER, and it felt like God was calling us to do something to bless our city because we had been blessed so greatly. So. On a monday morning I showed up and told our team we weren’t doing 12 days of deals, we were doing 12 days of GIVING. I wanted to partner with charitable organizations across the city who were underserved and needed support. I wanted to hear their needs, and team up with our magpies families to come around as many as possible. We’ve done this for two holiday seasons, served over 20 organizations, raised thousands of dollars, provided an avenue for so many to serve and connect with non-profits, and it’s been the most remarkable, impactful and joyful thing I truly think I have ever done.

TNM: What is your favorite part of Magpies?

MT: That I have the opportunity to continue to grow and learn, and a space to create and collaborate and watch ideas take flight. 

TNM: Since opening Magpies’ doors, you’ve opened two other shops, given back to the community, empowered young girls and their families, what does the next chapter look like?

MT: My biggest goal now is for our brand to reach and impact as many as possible; the girls, their families, our nonprofit partners, the schools. I also want to find ways for our team to continue to sharpen and grow their skills. I would love to create our own clothing collection and gift line. I’m excited to see how our team can innovate and continue to evolve our community events. We are always coming up with cool things for kids to do, and I know the next 5 years will be filled with FUN. I’m also VERY excited about the prospect of customers growing up and becoming team members… and possibly opening their own magpies! Now that would be a DREAM!!

Stop by Magpies in Belle Meade (two shops there) or downtown Franklin!