Meet Stacia Powell | Entrepreneur/Refuel of Abbeville

We had the good fortune of connecting with Stacia Powell and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Stacia, what was your thought process behind starting your own business?
As long as I can remember, the desire to own my own business was within me. As I have gotten older, the desire has grown. Design has been my true love. But in a small town, the support for that would not sustain me. As I read social media threads regarding community wants/wishes in Abbeville, my heart stirred. People in the community would discuss what was wanted/needed in Abbeville. An Ice Cream Parlor, Place for families to enjoy, etc. Therefore, the stirring started in me to open my own business. The jobs I have had throughout my life gave me much knowledge in what it takes to be a business owner. I knew it would be hard.

Can you open up a bit about your work and career? We’re big fans and we’d love for our community to learn more about your work.
I am just a regular person living an American dream. No achievements here. No culinary degree. No college background. Years of working for someone else… gaining knowledge. Knowing my strengths and weaknesses. Understanding who I do not want to be. Customer service is important to me. Family environment is important. The culture I am making at Refuel revolves around family. We have conversation cards on the tables. We encourage communication instead of use of a cell phone at the dinner table. My idea behind our name is deeper than what you read. Refuel… an old refurbished gas station. Refueling the town with food and sweet treats instead of gas. But my heart desires our customers to leave refueled in other ways. With kindness, great customer service, peace, joy. The fruits of the Spirit. Something our establishments have been missing for many years.

Any places to eat or things to do that you can share with our readers? If they have a friend visiting town, what are some spots they could take them to?
The downtown Abbeville square provides many quaint shops, The still functioning Opera House, many fabulous food establishments and much more! Our little town is full of history. Many historic landmarks and homes. Abbeville also has beautiful churches. Lake Russell provides the community with a State Park for camping and fishing. Such a relaxing and beautiful lake. The square is bricked and has a “Hallmark movie” feel. The southern hospitality you receive makes you want to come back. The Historic Belmont Inn provides accommodations right off the square. Neighboring communities also have great places to visit that are within a 20 mile radius. Due West, Greenwood, McCormick.

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
Oh my, there are so many people that heard my story and supported me from day one! Our church… Harvest. From leadership down to individual families have been a huge backbone. One Thing Prayer has been my lean as the big steps were being made. Prayer is important. Our family have been the cheerleaders on the sidelines and support we needed. Anna at The local Chamber of Commerce guided me in so many ways. David Dougherty with SBA and Denise Mock my Life Coach have both been instrumental parts to Refuel. Michael Bedenbaugh connected me with Eric Richey, the owner of the building we purchased. Both have been extraordinary to work with but more importantly, become friends. Woody and Angie are the owners of Bliss Artisan Ice Cream. They make sure we are supplied weekly with our specialty Ice Cream coming from Tell City, Indiana. Chuck with Performance Foods is amazing and always there for us. My husband Chad and daughter Chloe have cheered along the way. And most importantly, God has given me faith to keep pushing.

Website: https://refuelabbeville.com

Facebook: Refuel of Abbeville

Other: The Ice Cream Parlor at Refuel