Founders' Forum Building a Design Business Rooted in Community with Rebecca Addington
Entrepreneurship rarely follows a straight path. For Rebecca Addington, founder of Ville & Rue in Lancaster, Pennsylvania, the journey blends farm roots, a passion for design, and a deep belief in the power of community.
In this episode of Founders Forum, host Marc Bernstein is joined by co-hosts Ray Loewe, founder of The Luckiest Guy in the World, and Deborah Brandt, founder and CEO of Fig Industries, for a conversation about entrepreneurship, creativity, and the role community plays in building successful local businesses.
Rebecca shares how growing up on a family farm shaped her entrepreneurial mindset and how her experiences in retail and design helped her discover her true calling. After working with both major brands like Pottery Barn and independent retailers, she gained the knowledge and confidence to launch her own business.
She opened Ville & Rue in late 2019—just months before the pandemic. What followed was a true test of resilience. Thanks to strong community support in Lancaster, Rebecca was able to navigate the challenges and continue growing a business focused on thoughtful design, high-quality furniture, and personalized service.
Key Takeaways:
- How farm life shaped Rebecca’s entrepreneurial mindset
- Lessons learned from corporate and small business retail
- The power of community support during challenging times
- Why creating meaningful customer experiences matters
- Rebecca’s advice to entrepreneurs: stay encouraged
About Rebecca Addington:
Born and raised in the Susquehanna Valley, I later moved around the region—from Baltimore to the Lehigh Valley—before settling in Lancaster.
I hold a B.A. in Communications, an AST in Interior Design, and a real estate license.
I opened my business in 2019, and although it’s been a rollercoaster, I’ve loved every day.
I currently live in the city with my husband, Wes, our Bernese Mountain Dog, Maverick, and our Maine Coon cat, Søren.
Connect:
Website villeandrue.com
LinkedIn linkedin.com/in/rebecca-addington-63638b35/
Facebook facebook.com/villeandrue
Instagram instagram.com/villeandrue/
This episode is brought to you by Ville & Rue, contemporary interior design styled for your life. Go to villeandrue.com to learn more.
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