Aug 31, 2009

Store provides taste of what’s made around JamestownBy Robert C. LopezNews-Record.com

Jamestown — With the possible exception of some T-shirts, nothing at Susan Stringer’s shop is made in China.

In fact, very little of what she sells is made outside of a 30-mile radius of her store in Jamestown.

The Soap Lady, as the name suggests, carries a variety of soaps, lotions and other bath products made by Stringer herself. But the small shop is also a repository for locally made walking sticks, jewelry, pottery and other handicrafts.

“It complements what I have, and it’s hard to go get a locally made item anywhere,” she said. “So many people come in from out of town that would like to take back a little something from this area. And one thing I heard was that there really wasn’t much to purchase, besides Seagrove pottery. They really want something handmade and locally made.”

The store (www.madeonmain.com), in a shopping center on Main Street, has been open for about a year and has cultivated a loyal clientele. Friends pop in during the day, and she even keeps a bowl of dog treats near the register for those who bring in their four-legged friends.

“It’s just a very nice relaxing atmosphere,” said Sara Knight, who sells her handmade jewelry at the store. “A lot of people come in just to say, ‘Hey.’ Some days they come and don’t buy anything. They just want to hang out for a few minutes.”

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