From Hogwarts to Housewares: The Story Behind "WilHaven"

How did we get here?

4/4/20261 min read

Title: From Hogwarts to Housewares: The Story Behind "WilHaven"

Why "WilHaven"? It’s a question I get a lot. It’s not my last name (though it borrows the first four letters), but the real answer starts with a trip to the Wizarding World.

When the Harry Potter books first launched, they were my ultimate escape. Between the busy days of motherhood, I found myself engrossed in the magic. That love grew into family movie nights and, eventually, a deep dive into the PlayStation and mobile games.

That’s where Wilma Wilhaven was born.

Wilma became my digital alter ego—my handle for social media and the name behind my "imaginary" business ventures, from dream RV parks to boutique stores. It was all a bit of fun until my imagination met a very real... let’s call it a "spending bender."

I became obsessed with the thrill of the hunt. That heart-stopping moment when you find an incredible treasure at an even more incredible price. But soon, the realization hit: “What on earth am I going to do with all this amazing stuff?”

I might still be in denial about needing a shopping intervention, but that "bender" sparked a lightbulb moment. Why not take these timeless treasures—items we’ve inherited, found, and curated—and find them the homes they deserve?

That is how WilHaven Estate Sales officially moved from the "imaginary" world into the real one. These pieces shouldn't be tucked away in bins; they’re meant to be shown off. Whether it’s a Daniel Wall painting or a vintage glass vase, I know there’s someone out there who will fall in love with these items just like I did.

I’m turning my "small" addiction into your next great find. Welcome to WilHaven Estate Sales!