For Edmonds resident Mary Jones, crafting is both a hobby and her livelihood.
It’s also a tribute to her sister, Teri, who passed away in 2003.
Both women wanted to own a craft business together and call it “Silver Lining,” but Teri passed away before their business was up and running, Jones said. When she inherited some money from her sister, Jones knew exactly what she wanted to do next.
It took some time to find the right location, but she eventually did and opened Pennies From Heaven, a craft mall and craft supply store at 116 Fourth Ave. N in January.
“I had a lot of people when I was buying furniture and things tell me ‘you’re awfully brave for opening a business in today’s economy’ and maybe that’s true, but I have the ambition and the motivation and the drive and I just know with all my heart this is where I’m supposed to be … this is not an accident,” Jones said.
Before opening Pennies From Heaven, Jones sold her crafts at craft shows and was almost ready to quit before she found the Edmonds location. Since officially moving in, she has participated in the Edmonds Art Walk, demonstrating how to spin yarn and do needle felting.
Those who visit are treated to popcorn or cookies and coffee while they shop through an assortment of hand spun yarn, homemade baby booties, candy arrangements, clay figurines, stuffed animals and other crafty items. Jones rents out space for others to display and sell their items, but she and her daughter, Rebecca, also contribute to the store’s inventory.
Business “seems to go in spells,” according to Jones, but her outlook remains positive.
“Some days we may have a lot of people but nobody buys,” she said. “But I’m really finding a lot of people are wanting the one of a kind, the unusual gift. I’ve gotten a lot of positive feedback.”
Painful concerns
Fewer people may come through the front door of her business than one year ago on Fifth Avenue South, but Justin Reeder is trying not to worry.
“I’m an optimist,” she said. “What I need to do is pay attention to my spending.”
Reeder’s customers at Edmonds Vitamins &Herbs count on her to make informed recommendations for natural alternatives. Although her business relies heavily on word of mouth, new customers have begun frequenting her store because they can’t afford to pay for their prescriptions, she said.
“People talk about losing their job, losing their house, not being able to afford a prescription … there are much more painful concerns than not being able to go to the movies this week,” she said.
Lately, many of her customers have also asked about the health of her business.
“I just tell them let’s support each other,” Reeder said. “I want to stay in business. People really count on us.”
Off the beaten path
When Gloria Allison’s antique business, Glorious Treasures, was located on Main Street 15 years ago, she used to hear people wish for more parking. When rent got to be too high, she moved into a new location at Firdale Village.
Today she has plenty of parking outside of her business but very few customers.
“On Main Street I had all the walkers go by and no parking, and now I have all this beautiful parking and no customers,” Allison said.
She rents space for dealers to sell their products. Some of the same people have stayed with her since the business began, she said. Rent is paid on a month to month cycle and she is the only employee.
“It’s sad really. It’s been a struggle here. But I’m hanging on,” Allison said.
She hopes more people will see her new sign advertising chocolate truffles near Firdale Avenue at the entrance to Firdale Village.
“This is Edmonds but it’s more like Egypt,” she said. “It’s off the beaten path yet there’s a street going right by.”
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