Mebane and Hollyhocks on TV!

UNC-TV does this show each week called North Carolina Weekend and last week they aired the footage they shot in Mebane during the Spring Shoppers Stroll. They did show my pink and green stairwell. It would have been nice if they came into the store, but that little clip has brought in some new faces from Chapel Hill and High Point. If you click on the link, you can see the show. Our purchased tv ads should be starting soon. As soon as I know, I'll let you know! The paper "Southern Neighbor" is supposed to be writing an article about Mebane for their July issue. Those of us who paid to adverstise with them will get first crack at the interviews. So that little investment is paying  a dividend!  It's like I tell people who ask about the store and if I intend to stay around. "I am bound and determined to make this work! I am throwing everything I can into this store in order to be successful." For that I must thank all the sellers because without them, there would be no store, and all the wonderful people who shop here. We are developing a following of folks who shop here first for their gift giving or for themselves.
I hope you enjoy the show. If I could, I would just have the clip of Mebane.

Fun and Beauty at Hollyhocks!!

I've been busy adding new sellers to the Hollyhocks circle of sellers. I'm continually looking for new and different locally made items to add to the store. It can be a real challenge sometimes.But it's also exciting! I've found several through Etsy and some have been referred to the store by other people. Here's a sampling of some of the terrific new stuff added just this past couple weeks.

Dragon wings and a monster hat! How fun it this? These were brought by Jill of JSF Creations.

 These bags are actually fort kits. Everything a kid could need to build their own fort! I remember all the fun I had with my 2 kids buildings forts and tents when they were small.

Super cute baby gifts! Includes a wipe case, burp cloths, and a onesie, all decorated with matching fabrics! Handmade by Terri of abigailshopedesigns.

How about a tee shirt with its own necktie? One of many shirts by Allison of almdesigns.

These lovely cards feature vintage images and were brought today by Kathy of Look what Kathy Made. Perfect for Mother's Day! The following items were brought today by our newest seller, Lynn. She's a painter and creates the most beautiful stuff.

And how about this super cute jewelry made using recycled/upcycled stuff. Created by Melissa, it can be found on Etsy  under Beads, Buttons and Bows

I hope you've enjoyed this little sampling of what Hollyhocks, LLC has to offer. And you can see how awesome and beautiful handmade really is!!

Big news and some not so big news!

I've been a very busy lady which is why I haven't posted in a while. I've added several new sellers which you can visit via their links on this blog. I've also done a big shuffle of merchandise around the store.The big news is that when UNC-TV was up here filming for a show, they filmed my stairwell and they got the sign too! Granted, it would have been awesome if they actually came inside, but I'll take what I can get!  The story aired last night, and it was a pretty good spot, but a bit lopsided I thought. They sure missed many businesses and spent too much time in others. Maybe it's the ones they personally liked, I don't know.

I moved some of my jewelry from this prime space and put Andrew's chainmaille and Jan's wood jewelry here. It's getting much more attention here and just looks better I think. 

I put some of the "guy" stuff on this center island so maybe it will start to sell a bit better.

I've hung some of Karen's purses on the wall and more people are really looking at them. I am perplexed as to why they don't sell very well. They are well made, fully lined with pockets and well under $50! 

The addition of 3 tables in the back has allowed me to display the tableware much better. And in the picture below, I've added  couple of chairs to create a homey look. Also added some dishes to the place settings.

This coat rach shows off the aprons really nicely and is easy to move around. Having the dress form there modeling the apron shows how it looks on a person.

New lighting was sorely needed in the back, so my wonderful husband installed these for me. There are actually 2 sets and it's a huge improvement!

 

This picture rail system is in the front near the checkout. Sadly, the prints being matted are just a bit too heavy and they kept sliding off, so I put up a bunch a pretty greeting cards instead.  So that's it for now. If you are ever in the Mebane area of North Carolina, please stop by. Our little town has a lot to offer!

Where have all the people gone?

For those of you that have been around awhile or happen to like old music, you may recall a song with the lyric" Where have all the flowers gone?" Well, that lyric, thought slightly different has been spinning around in my head today. "Where have all the people gone?" I do realize that many people work, but there are some who would have the day off, or are retired, etc. Now being below street level, I don't see all that goes on, but I do hear it, except there's nothing to hear! I've gone up to the street to see if there is anyone around. Cars line both sides of the street, yet not a soul in sight. The weather is beautiful today, about 74 or so and sunny. I talk with other store owners and they all say the same thing. I have to say that when so many downtown areas are filled with empty storefronts, Mebane is quite the opposite. Yes there are a few, but even some of those are in the process of being set up for new businesses to move in. We're getting a new yarn store and that's pretty exciting! Anyway, back to what I was saying. I have visions of people driving across town to go to Wal-Mart because it's cheaper, or whatever other reason they come up with. Are they not realizing that the money they spend there is supporting the importation of all that cheap stuff they carry? They'll complain when it breaks, and they have to replace it. More landfill material. It's a vicious cycle and contributes to our throw away society. Would it not be better to buy from a local store that is possibly run by your neighbor and support your own community? It may cost you a bit more, but chances are you'll have it for years before it needs replacing. Maybe they don't realize how lucky they are to have a great downtown. In many ways it reminds me of the town I grew up in. Small, everyone knows everyone, stuff like that. Unfotunately, many towns are no longer around. They are ghost towns, replaced by malls, and huge big box retailers . Maybe some of those stores need to set up in a downtown area. I don't know. I'm rambling again. I would just like to know where everyone is?

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Exciting new things are happening!

Just like the title says, there is exciting stuff going on at Hollyhocks! I have welcomed some new sellers to the store which is always exciting! I am also talking with a few more, so who knows what will happen. I have also decided to join other downtown businesses in running some tv commercials. I need to take a brief video of the store so it can be added to the others that have participated before. I love that they also mention the stores name! How cool is that? If you click here, you can see one of the ads from before. I am really excited about this! It's a big step for my little shop! I'll be sure and keep you posted! And as always, if you find yourself in or near Mebane, please stop by for a visit. It's a wonderful town filled with awesome people and lots to do!