
If you want to make your house a home, or an office space more comfortable check out Alexander Merchant. This Austin-based architectural products and service company focuses on residential hardware and decorative lighting. With their expertise and knowledge owners Laurie Merchant and Susan Alexander can help you transform your space. If you are remodeling or building a home their business and staff can help with selections, technical information, and execution.
How would you describe your business in 3 adjectives or less?
Knowledgeable, Creative, Currant
What are your most popular products or services?
Sun Valley Bronze, FSB Hardware, Vibia Lighting, Hardware Renaissance, Visual Comfort Lighting
People may be surprised to know…
Business owners, Laure Merchant and Susan Alexander, met at McCallum High School here in Austin when they were both 14 years old.
What was the inspiration or motivation behind starting your business?
Susan and Laurie owned a furniture refinishing business in 1997 and during that time they sold reproduction furniture hardware. As a supplement to the furniture hardware, they started selling more antique door hardware, which segued into new hardware. Since there are so many wonderful hardware and lighting manufacturers they decided to focus on representing manufacturers of new hardware. Their business now focused exclusively on new hardware manufacturers and designers.
Who is your role model or mentor?
Susan: My mom. She taught me to not back down from obstacles and to not be afraid to try.
What mistake have you made in your business that you will not repeat?
Laurie: Working to hard at the expense of a personal life, letting my business consume my life.
Susan: Ignoring my intuition regarding decisions.
How do you spend your free time?
Laurie: I spend time with my two children and my husband
Susan: I practice Tai Chi and always seem to find home improvement projects that keep me busy.
What is your indulgence?
No question there-chocolate
Where is your favorite place to go with your girlfriends?
Laurie: Vino Vino
Susan: Any good restaurant
Where is the best place to get a pedicure?
Laurie: G31 Nails on Guadalupe-no fuss
Susan: Polish on South 1st- nice atmosphere
Where is the best place to get a manicure?
Susan: Again- Polish
Where is the best place to find gifts?
Laurie: Toy Joy-since I mostly buy kids toys!
Susan: Love- unique and local.
What is your favorite salon?
Laurie: INNU, great trained staff with a focus on community
Susan: The whole works: a glass of wine and a hand massage, not to mention a great hair cut.
Where is the best place to buy shoes?
Laurie: Nordstroms
Where is the best place to buy clothes?
Laurie: Last Call
Who is the best local designer or artist?
Laurie: Steve Brudniak is a local artist I have always admired
What is the best gym or fitness club?
Laurie: YMCA
Susan: Austin Fitness Martial Arts- Allows for great cross training from Tai Chi to Kickboxing







