Please help us celebrate the amazing Kristie Smith, owner of Rhea Lana’s of Searcy as our 2025 Franchise of the Year!

For 16 years, Kristie has poured her heart into serving families in Searcy, Arkansas, creating a trusted, high-quality shopping experience and putting money back into the hands of moms just like her. Her event has become a seasonal tradition that local families count on, and her leadership goes far beyond her own community.

Kristie is known for her generosity, work ethic, and kindness. She is constantly stepping up to support fellow Rhea Lana’s owners and cheer them on behind the scenes. We are so grateful for her and the legacy she continues to build.

We asked Kristie about her big win this year and here’s what she had to say, “When I look back over the last 17 years of owning this business, I’m in awe of what the Lord has done. I’m blessed with an amazing team who sacrifices so much to make each sale the very best it can be. Together with our local community, we’ve built something very special in Searcy! Something that many families look forward to and some depend on to help clothe their kiddos and stretch their budgets. I’m blessed to own this business! Thank you to Dave and Rhea Lana Riner for starting this amazing company and believing in me from the beginning. Thank you to the wonderful  corporate team who helps us all be leaders in the industry. Thank you to my incredibly supportive husband who does it all!!!! Thank you to my team for EVERYTHING! Thank you to every consignor, shopper and member of our paid staff. You each play an invaluable role in making Rhea Lana’s of Searcy a great marketplace for “families helping families” in White County!”

Learn more about our franchising opportunities here!

I’ve been around Rhea Lana’s my whole life. My mom bought her franchise when I was 5, so I spent countless hours at sales, seeing the impact of the business firsthand on families in our small community in Arkansas. I grew up printing labels until bedtime, stapling passes and bundling postcards during family movie nights, and handing out pink bags at Pre-Sale. Fast forward 16 years later at the age of 21, I received the opportunity to experience Rhea Lana’s from a whole new perspective: as a Marketing Intern at the corporate office. 

Being on the corporate side opened my eyes to just how much thought, planning, and heart go into making each sale a success. Whether I was delivering postcards to daycares, assisting with Social Media Services, packaging apparel store orders, or greeting families as they walked through the doors at the flagship event, I saw how even the smallest tasks contribute to a much bigger mission.  

The core values of this company aren’t just words we put on a pink t-shirt– they reflect the heart behind our “why” and shape every interaction we have:

• How we communicate with every franchise owner that orders corporate services
• How we treat each team member with value and respect
• How we welcome every customer that shops with a smile

This internship has deepened my appreciation for this company and reminded me how countless small jobs lead to successful events. The awe I have for the difference Rhea Lana’s makes in communities across the country hasn’t faded with time. The past 16 years of seeing many sides of the company has grown my definition of service. I’m excited to see how the values and skills I’ve learned will benefit me for any future career I choose to pursue!

– Sheridan Rogers 🩷

Easter morning is one of those magical childhood memories we all treasure—tiny toes padding down the hallway, eager eyes searching for a pastel-colored basket overflowing with goodies. But if you’re like many moms, you’re looking to create that magic without a sugar crash before you’ve even had Easter lunch.

At Rhea Lana’s, we know that motherhood is all about the little things—thoughtful touches, meaningful moments, and stretching a dollar while doing it all with love. So today, we’re sharing some of our favorite Easter basket ideas that skip the candy but keep all the fun. Bonus? Many of these treasures can be found for a fraction of retail at your local Rhea Lana’s event!

Bonus Idea

Experience-Based Baskets

Sometimes the best gifts aren’t things at all. Consider crafting a themed basket around an experience:

• Gardening Basket – Include a packet of wildflower seeds, child-sized gloves, and a little watering can.
• Movie Night Basket – A family DVD or streaming rental code, popcorn containers, and cozy socks.
• Outdoor Adventure Basket – Add a jump rope, frisbee, or bug-catching kit for springtime fun.

This Easter, let’s celebrate the joy, the wonder, and the sweetness of the season—with baskets full of imagination, creativity, and love. And just maybe… a chocolate bunny or two. 😉 Happy Easter, from our family to yours.