Kathryn Schaub and Amy Tolson discovered early on they were a perfect compliment to each other when it comes to running a business.

Schaub said she had previously run a mortgage business with her husband, while Tolson had more of an artsy flair, specializing in interior decorating. Together they’ve taken a strong friendship and turned into a partnership at Kathryn’s Home Accents, located at 2204 Cincinnati-Dayton Road in Middletown.

Schaub owns the three-level store, and Tolson is a co-owner of the Vera Bradley collection offered at the store, which opened in 2006.

“We started strictly as a home decor and accents shop, but then we had the opportunity to bring on the Vera Bradley,” Schaub said. “We also had people saying they would buy some of our furniture if they could sell theirs, so we started doing consignment.”

Schaub has recently taken over the gift shop at the Golden Lamb in Lebanon, and also opened a 5,000-square-foot space at Middletown’s Towne Mall where most of the consignment is done.

“This has been the funnest thing ever,” Schaub said. “My favorite thing to do when I was a little girl was to have garage sales. I always wanted to grow up and make candles and sell my mom’s paintings. I do sell some of her paintings, but don’t make candles.”

Schaub said she managed her mortgage business out of the same building, which she bought in 2001. But after 21 years in that business, she said something told her it was time to do something else.

“I love what I do and to do it with my best friend is icing on the cake,” Schaub said.

Schaub explained that her and Tolson got to know each other through the Breiel Blvd. Church of God, which her husband pastors. They worked together on some projects, which is how they discovered they would be a good fit together in business.

“I thought it sounded exciting,” Tolson said of when Schaub approached her about the venture. “I think it has exceeded all my expectations.

“I never worried about our relationship changing,” she continued. “We already knew we did things well together as a team. We know what our strengths are and this is her baby. I’m just here to make sure it is even more successful.”