By RONDA GREGORY
News & Journal Staff Writer
Friday the thirteenth this month was not unlucky for the official opening of the new Clarksburg craft/home decor shop – My Mother’s Daughter. The sun shone brightly on a clear day as local and state officials visited the shop located in the former McCrory’s Five and Dime at 318 W. Main Street for an official ribbon-cutting ceremony.
With about 50 others attending this special day, owner Stephanie Wyatt said she was thrilled with their Grand Opening.
“It was a good day,” she said. “It was exciting just to see everyone; they were very welcoming and very supportive.”
In addition to customers and other guests, Clarksburg Mayor Catherine Goings, city council and Chamber of Commerce members and a representative from the governor’s office came out to wish Wyatt well with her new business initiative.
My Mother’s Daughter actually opened to customers in early January and has already been doing well, Wyatt said.
Being located in the heart of Clarksburg’s business district and within a former city landmark, the business is in a perfect location for customer traffic and convenience. “I have a great spot,” she noted.
My Mother’s Daughter offers an eclectic mix of either handmade or “hand-touched” country and primitive home decor and other items created by only West Virginia artisans or crafters.
“I’m looking forward to adding more quality products. We have so many talented artisans in the area and around the state, it will be a privilege to include them as things progress,” she continued.
The shop is filled with a plethora of enticing choices … pithy plaques, free-standing decor, baskets, quilts, handmade jewelry, candles, scented tarts, jams, jellies, candies and soaps. The soaps come in many yummy scents or with exotic names like “Raspberry Vanilla”, “Rain”, and “Amazon Lily”.
A couple of Tamarack artisans who are area locals are featured at the shop – basket maker Elaine Sinclair and chocolatier Diane Wickland of A La Carte Fine Chocolates.
Wyatt herself is a contributor to the lovely goods at the shop. She said her favorite craft is refurbishing furniture – “up cycling” it. “I love to repurpose a lot of things into one-of-a-kind items,” she added.
Especially popular items are replicas of the penny rugs of the Civil War era. They are decorative wall hangings with coin-shaped images made of wool, felted wool or other cloth scraps attached with blanket stitches.
Wyatt is so pleased that the coffee bar, embedded within the store, is now open for customers to get some refreshment as they shop. Now they offer coffee, other beverages and pastries, including items from My Little Cupcake, and will continue to add to the menu.
“Next week we’ll be including luncheon items, such as soups and some hot sandwiches,” Wyatt said. “We expect to add more specialty items.”
She said the coffee shop is a great place to slow down the pace and visit with her customers.
“The most exciting part of opening a new business is creating new friendships,” Wyatt said. “I love talking to new folks and learning their stories.”
Wyatt, a native of and current resident of the Salem area, said she is especially excited about both their party and meeting space and the classes they offer. The shop can host any type of party – from bridal to birthday – and provide all the essentials – from refreshments to decorations.
“We can customize to what the customer wants and needs,” she said.
They also host adult and children’s craft parties and/or classes, including basket weaving, penny rugs, primitive arrangements, etc. “We can do everything,” Wyatt said, smiling.
My Mother’s Daughter is open Monday-Friday from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.; Saturday from 9:30 a.m. to 2:30 p.m.; and closed on Sundays. For more information about the shop, visit on Facebook at “My Mother’s Daughter”.
