The lovely Allison Toney and me at Woodland Shanty
There are signs across America that the small-town downtown mom-and-pop stores are dying out. As a small business owner, I know I can't compete with big box stores with strong buying power and can sell products consumers want at a steep discount. When I began this journey, I knew I could never sell my products for what giant corporations like Proctor and Gamble sell soap for. Instead, I focused on finding my niche, my people. If you are reading this, thank you for being my people. I found my audience, perfected my product, kept my head down, stayed in my lane, and focused on my people. I have amazing people.
In the last few years, I have observed a small resurrection of small, family-owned businesses filling the empty buildings of our downtown, and I am excited. However, downtown is not the only place where small, family-owned businesses are established. Look outside the perimeters of the downtown area, and you will find some very unique, imaginative, well-run businesses with creative settings, attractive, high-quality merchandise, and exceptional people. The Woodland Shanty is the latest addition to our little community and does not disappoint.
Nick and Allison Toney are a talented young couple who are Woodland Shanty. Nick and Allison create original decorative signs that cover broad themes. Check out their website for the vast array of beautiful home decor they design and produce: https://woodlandshanty.com/. The retail space they have opened in their recently acquired property is even more exciting than their website. Allison generously includes our soaps in her beautiful inventory.
On Friday, we personally delivered a restock request so we could see their new store and say hello. This industrious couple has reimagined a rather nondescript industrial building into something beautiful. When we walked up to their front doors, I said, "Oh, I love their doors!" Eric responded with an eye roll. The main room was stunning when we entered, with a large tree branch suspended in the center and their original artwork and signs displayed from floor to ceiling. Allison has created several rooms, with nooks and niches displaying everything from Taylor Swift t-shirts to home decor items to bath and body products. There was so much to look at; I couldn't take it all in. (I need to return without my husband!)
I purchased a gift for my friend, Jenna, and snowman salt and pepper shakers for GramBarb. However, I fell in love with a pastoral picture perfect for my back hall. Although the weather was less than hospitable, there was a steady stream of shoppers. This lovely little store is well worth the drive outside of town. If you happen to be local to the Indiana area, I strongly encourage you to visit Woodland Shanty at 1700 Sleepy Hollow Road, Indiana, PA 15701. Their hours are Friday and Saturday, 9-4.
I hope you remember the little stores, family-owned businesses, local small businesses, and farm-based businesses this holiday season. Our communities are filled with hard-working, creative, innovative individuals who are trying to support and improve the communities they love. I'm always excited to support and give a shout-out to the amazing small business owners I have the pleasure of meeting. Nick and Allison are good people. I'm sure you will be as impressed with their new retail space as I am.
On this seasonal November day, stay safe, be smart, remember to support local small businesses, and keep washing your hands.
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