Sometimes good style is more than just artistic expression. Such is the case for Riverdale boutique Shop Simple Designs and its nonprofit arm The Simple Nest, which provides furniture for area charities.
After a successful inaugural year in 2025, The Simple Nest’s fundraising event Furnish is set to return this spring, blending philanthropy and fashionable decor. Soirée sat down with Kathy Gladden, The Simple Nest board member and Furnish co-chair, to learn more.
The shop and the nonprofit are two sides of the same coin. How did The Simple Nest part of the equation come to be?
KG: Located in the former Cajun’s Wharf warehouse, Shop Simple Designs and The Simple Nest work hand-in-hand to bridge the gap between retail furniture sales and community service. Created by owners Becky Norris and Rhea Middleton, this partnership allows customers to donate their used furniture directly to this new nonprofit to support families in need upon purchasing new pieces. It’s a simple concept with a massive impact. Approximately 75% of our customers now donate, helping us furnish a lasting impact for our community.
Tell me about how The Simple Nest works with other organizations to help families in need.
KG: At the Simple Nest, our mission is to support and encourage the front-line nonprofits doing the hard work in our community. We provide these organizations with essential furniture, home goods and prayer support as they focus on their life-changing ministries.
Our local partners include:
YoungLives: We furnish bassinets and cribs for teenage mothers. Last year, we co-hosted the Bunco for Babies event, raising over $7,500 to support their mission.
Providence Park: We are currently assisting this community in furnishing five minihomes as they provide permanent and supportive housing for people transitioning out of chronic homelessness.
Union Rescue Mission: We partner with the Dorcus House (serving women and children escaping domestic violence) and the Nehemiah House (supporting men in recovery) by furnishing their recovery and transitional homes.
The Call: We support foster families across Arkansas by furnishing visitation centers and providing essential items for young adults aging out of the foster care system.
By donating to The Simple Nest, you are directly supporting these established organizations as they serve those living in our community.
What made you want to get involved, and how did you?
KG: I was fortunate enough to be a part of The Simple Nest dream well before it came to be. From day one, founders Becky Norris and Rhea Middleton have leaned into God’s guidance for every single decision, big or small. We believe our gifts are meant to be used for his purposes, especially when it comes to showing up for the brokenhearted and for those in need.
Recognizing our neighbors are often carrying heavy emotional and spiritual burdens alongside their physical needs, Cathy Alexander and I stepped in to lead the prayer team as part of The Simple Nest. We are honored to lift up this mission in prayer for our partners, board and visiting families to The Simple Nest. We want to serve Little Rock in a way that honors Jesus Christ and provides much needed care.
What can attendees expect to see at Furnish?
KG: You can expect to see a lot of beauty! A highlight of the event is the 12×12 vignettes created by local designers which will feature pieces of furniture donated by the community and various vendors. Each featured piece is available for purchase with all proceeds directly supporting The Simple Nest’s mission and partners. To make the evening even more enjoyable, there will be live music and art from two Nashville-based artists, along with catering by Scallions. Moms and grandparents will not want to miss the doll house raffle …
And I can’t leave out the beautiful prayer chapel that has become central to all we do at The Simple Nest. It is a quiet, peaceful spot in the warehouse where you are welcome to leave a written prayer request. As part of the prayer team, we will pray over every single note left and will follow up if requested. The chapel reminds us that we are here to share the love of Jesus.
How will proceeds from the 2026 event further the work of The Simple Nest?
KG: Proceeds from the 2026 Furnish event directly support The Simple Nest’s mission to provide essential home furnishing for Arkansans in need. Our sales from Furnish benefit our vetted ministry partners ensuring furniture reaches individuals transitioning out of homelessness, young adults aging out of foster care and new mothers. Proceeds are specifically used to purchase vital new items such as bassinets and cribs for young mothers that may not be available through standard furniture donations.
This is only the second year for the fundraiser, but what role do you hope it will play in the Little Rock event scene?
KG: Our goal for Furnish is to create a memorable annual experience that highlights the charitable heart of Little Rock and creates a vibrant catalyst for bringing our community together with purpose. Rooted in the Christ-centered value of caring for the needs of our community, we are building a network that bridges practical furniture needs with the transformative power of prayer. We want to bring the light of Jesus Christ into our city. Furnish is an evening you will not want to miss.
furnish
benefiting the simple nest
April 15, 6 p.m. | Shop Simple Designs
Info: thesimplenest.org/furnish
PHOTOGRAPHY
JASON MASTERS
HAIR & MAKEUP
LORI WENGER
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B.BARNETT
SHOT ON LOCATION
SHOP SIMPLE DESIGNS