What Are We All About?

Everyone has seasons when they consider the question, "What makes me tick?" "What am I all about?" The planning stages of our Trading Company provided such a time because we began to contemplate our contribution to this community.

We definitely have the role of a business, yet none of us has ever wanted to be “just” that. The idea of buying Cottage in the Country, owned by Jeanine Neuman and her husband, entered our heads just as the New Year began, and we must say, the idea originated with another successful, humble, thoughtful businesswoman in town. She knows who she is, and we thank her again!

As Katie contemplated where she might find a place to show her pottery, and Gail sought guidance as she made the decision not to teach a new college writing class, this suggestion to visit the Cottage came up. We did, and every time we went there, the more we liked the warm, country atmosphere.

What would happen, we thought, if in addition to offering country home decor, Gail had an inspirational book nook and taught various writing lessons, along with Katie’s paint-your-own-pottery classes? This seemed a good place to start. On one of those days in early January, Cindy, shared her long-time desire to start a scrap booking enterprise, and it didn’t take much time to realize that this building would be perfect for such an endeavor. The concept expanded, but still didn’t seem complete.

As our excitement grew, we thought how wonderful it would be for St. Ansgar to have a coffee bar. So here we are, a potter, a scrapbooker, and a writer, pooling our ingenuity to create a place where individuals can use their hands and hearts to put a little art in their lives. As the year has progressed, we've met Terri, who has been a REAL businesswoman and has shared her expertise with us.

Others will be able to simply enjoy a cup of coffee or tea, stepping in from their busy days for a while to rest. The prospect of brightening patrons’ days motivates us; made in the image of our own Creator, we offer what we have and who we are to encourage others and increase their joy.

Thanks for visiting us during our first year - Cindy, Katie,Gail, and Terri appreciate getting to know you!

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