Friday, March 18, 2011

Missing my Little Store - SisterBrendy's Antiques and Novelties

It is hard to believe that it has almost been three years since I closed my store in the historic district of Nelsonville.  I enjoyed the camaraderie of close by store owners, namely Susan and her dear mother at The Nelsonville Quilt Company http://www.nelsonvillequilts.com/ and  Jenn at Nelsonville Pottery http://www.nelsonvillepottery.com/.  They were located just across the street from me and were such a big help after I bought my store on a whim while picking up a piece of furniture that I had previously bought.  That's right......I walked into the store to pick something up and left, becoming the official store owner the very next day.  Need I say that my husband was not pleased?  In fact, it was due to his illnesses that I decided to give up my store and focus on him and his health.  Little did I know that it would be me that would suffer the next years from kidney stone disease, of which I am still dealing with.

Back to SisterBrendy's.......It didn't take me long to figure out that being the proprietor of a small store also meant that you are the clerk, decorator, buyer, bookkeeper and janitor.  There were nights when I worked so late into the night that I would pull an old quilt and pillow off the shelf and sleep on the floor.  I never dreamed that I would have the energy to devote that kind of commitment to a business, but when it is something you love doing, it doesn't seem so bad.

Here are a few pictures of SisterBrendy's that I pull out and reminisce over when I need to bring back those great memories.


       DOUBLE CLICK ON PHOTOS TO ENLARGE


For those of you who are are still able to maintain a brick and mortal store, I hope the stories that your customers share with you and the many kindnesses shown to you by those customers who keep returning, fill your heart with joy.  Are you or have you ever been a store owner?  I would love to hear about the kind of stores that are out there.  Do you have any advice for new store owners?
If you will be in Southeast Ohio on Friday,  March 25, 2011, don't forget that it is Final Friday in Nelsonville  and the stores will be bursting with new items, new displays and lots of people to meet.  Maybe I will see you there!    Don't forget to stop in the Nelsonville Quilt Company and Nelsonville Pottery and be sure to tell Susan and Jenn that SisterBrendy said Hi!  Follow this link for more information about Nelsonville's Final Friday Event.  http://www.athensohio.com/whattodo/final-fridays-on-the-square

2 comments:

  1. Hello My Dear,
    I love Antiques as you know,and I loved looking at you'r store it was beautiful.I do hope you feel better soon,because I do miss my friend and neighbor.
    Much love and good wishes.
    Beau Morehouse

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  2. Thanks for your comment my dear friend and neighbor! Looking forward to seeing you out working in your flower beds again, knowing we can run back and forth across the street to visit. okay....maybe you can't run with your knee, but you can walk....slowly! Miss you too!

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