The reality of a new business in Columbus

A View Of Columbus Through Rose-Colored Glasses

This article is dedicated to acknowledging examples of ‘positives that express the community spirit of Columbus — our town.

Beth Easterling thought and studied for many months before she decided to open Hometown Goods, her second retail shop in Columbus. The plan for Hometown Goods at 1008 Milam aimed for a variety of goods which would fit the needs of Columbus. She wanted it to compliment her original store, Grand Oaks, Beth’s first enterprise at 1034 Milam. She requested the new dealers compliment each other in their choice of goods. A total of 6 booths make up the Hometown collection. As one enters Hometown Goods, the first booth on the left has antiques by Tina Higdon. Tina’s accessories include various baby goods and “smalls”. Tina moved from Pennsylvania to Houston in the early eighties. She felt like a transplant when she was told that she sounded like a foreigner. Today, she’s right at home being a Texan. Tina and husband, Wes, are now residents on Shaws Bend and are enjoying the remodeling of their house which was once a barn. Tina enjoys shopping auctions and purchasing while traveling. She focuses on selling well constructed antiques that are clean and ready for the customer to take home.

The second booth is a local artist, Evelyn Crenak. Her degree from college was in art. She now focuses on the design of jewelry. A portion of her collection is on display at Hometown Goods. Evelyn enjoys providing some antique pieces which she has refurbished. She was honored to design the Magnolia Medal for the bicentennial of Columbus. In Evelyn’s booth, one will find a nice selection of pottery and small examples of art.

As one moves on down the aisle, Brenda Cason is the next dealer. She says that while growing up, she had always dreamed of having a dollhouse. When she moved to Texas, Brenda found a dollhouse in a thrift store, and at that time, she began to refurbish dollhouses. One will enjoy seeing her collection of miniature furniture. She also offers her customers an assortment of books for purchase. Brenda says that Hometown Goods is the nicest store in which she has ever been a vendor.

Stepping across from Brenda’s booth, one will meet Lesa Muehstein. Lesa is known all over the US for her clever brand name of “Birdie Mae Designs”. She has a line of personalized plastic cups, cards, and original design tea towels. Lesa has been in business quite some time. She and her husband, Chance, manage a ranch near Weimar. They both have Masters degrees from Texas A&M. Lesa is from Lufkin where she grew up helping her mom with her mom’s shop.

Booth #5 is a local lady, Heidi Mae. Heidi has previously had experience owning several boutique shops. Her hometown is Frelsburg where her family has owned a business for many years. Her booth has a great collection of neat toys and clothing items for children. Heidi also makes time to be a realtor for Leyco.

Booth #6 is Mandi Richardson, whose husband, Buck, grew up in Columbus. Mandi presents a well priced assortment of ladies ready to wear. She has focused on items for her age group. She grew up in Lake Jackson, TX She enjoys professional photography which she will begin soon here in Columbus. She and Buck moved to the family home on Hwy 71 South.

Congrats to Beth Easterling for the new shop downtown which adds to making a Better Columbus. Let’s all try to remember what it means to “Shop Local”.