About Us

Artful Ellijay is a family- and veteran-owned home lifestyle brand deeply rooted in exceptional customer service and commitment to curating a distinctive and immersive shopping experience. Our shop offers a unique selection of home items, local artisan works, and memorable gifts. Recognized as Best of Georgia in Home and Garden for five consecutive years, we take pride in our ability to consistently reimagine the shop seasonally so that all of our customers, regulars and first-timers alike, get a fresh experience each time they walk through our doors.

Our Team

Georgia-born and raised, Samantha’s heart has always been in Ellijay, where her family’s farm once stood. She and her husband, Damon, were married on the farm—a place that still holds a special place in their hearts. Eight years ago, they decided to make Ellijay their forever home and put down roots in the community...

Samantha Gabriel

Born and raised on a small island in Washington, Damon learned the value of hard work and community early in life. He proudly served for 4 years in the United States Marine Corps infantry, earning an honorable discharge due to injuries sustained overseas. His time in service shaped his resilience, leadership...

Damon Gabriel

My husband and I, on a whim, flew out from Utah to Ellijay to start a new adventure. It only took us three days and fourteen houses to realize that this was where we wanted to settle and retire. We chose the very last house we toured in Buckhorn Estates.

I spent most of my career in the hospitality industry—beginning...

Margot Mortensen (Artful Ellijay Sales Associate)

I retired from Verizon after more than 36 years as a Director and Manager of Sales and Operations, where I oversaw call centers and commercial accounts. Originally from Los Angeles, I spent most of my young adult years in the Tampa Bay area of Florida before moving throughout the U.S. with Verizon.

After...

Jennifer (Jeff) Wells (Artful Ellijay Sales Associate)

Hi, I’m CJ Prather! You can usually find me at the Artful Ellijay Warehouse, but when I’m not there, chances are I’m on stage doing what I love. I’m an aspiring Christian artist, performing at various tourist spots throughout the area. I’m proud to represent Ellijay, both through my work at Artful Ellijay and...

Camryn (CJ) Prather (Artful Ellijay Warehouse Assistant)

Hi, I’m Nicole Kittlistved! I’ve been part of the Artful Ellijay family for the past six years. When I’m not at the Warehouse, you’ll likely find my husband and I relaxing by the creek with our four dogs or off exploring the world together. We’re also proud grandparents to four wonderful grandchildren and love...

Nicole Kittilstved (Artful Ellijay Warehouse Manager)

Hi! My name is Kristen, you may recognize me as the familiar face that greets you at Artful Ellijay. I’ve been part of the team here for two years, and it’s more than just a job, it truly feels like family.


I recently got married, and my husband and I are proud parents to a beautiful daughter...

Kristen Chumley (Artful Ellijay sales associate)

Originally from Indiana, I’ve lived in multiple states…Florida, North Carolina and now Georgia with my husband and two sons. Our previous Georgia home was in Columbus where our boys were raised but we had always dreamed of owning a small patch of land to call home. While the boys were young we began the search...

Trina Mendez

How Samantha Wadley Is Supporting Local Artists at Artful Ellijay


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VoyageATL

From Local Art to Luxe Comforts – Find It All at Artful Ellijay, Where Artful Living Begins


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Georgia Business Journal

10 Unforgettable Murals: See Kelsey Montague's Bigger-Than-Life Artwork Throughout The US


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Forbes

Artful Ellijay Wins 'Best of Georgia' Award, Celebrating Community-Driven Success in Ellijay, Georgia


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Chicago's Very Own WGN9

Choosing Smart Solutions: How Artful Ellijay Became One of the Area’s Biggest Retailers


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Emily Polner

Lifestyle

Family-owned

Staging and Design