Business
Cottage businesses continue to thrive on Rt. 1.
By L. Fausz
Jun 25, 2008 - 3:47:55 PM

Shopkeepers at the Shops at Ivey are, from left: Suzanne Johnson, Pam Setterholm, Evelyn Jones Calhoun, Carolyn White, James Setterholm, and Monica Bowling.

When the cottage sleep-ins for weary travelers going north and south on Rt. 1 lost business with the opening of I-95, many closed; some were lost to development, some became mini-apartments, but the ones purchased by Ivey Memorial Methodist Church gained new life that became opportunities for cottage businesses.  The church began renting the small cottages at very affordable rates under the name The Shops at Ivey. 

Over the years, businesses have come and gone. With the onset of the summer season, four new businesses have joined two that have been there for around four years.

The Shops at Ivey are not flea-market-style businesses, but are owned by real business owners developing their dream to own their own business and offer their products or services. Shoppers can find antiques and vintage jewelry and clothing, have sewing and alterations done; and a wedding planner provides everything needed for a wedding except the dress and tux.

“Cotty’s Cottage” in building No. 1 was named for the shopkeeper’s father, Cotty Cotcamp.  Monica Bowling, retired from many years in the banking business and her sister, Patricia Reed, who continues to work in the banking business, opened three weeks ago and will only be open on Friday and Saturdays.  In their shop can be found antiques and glassware collected from estate sales.  An interesting postcard collection from someone’s travels in Europe and the U.S. was a great find.  Bowling says her favorite in the shop is their milk glass collection.  A couple of her hobbies are needlepoint and baking.  She will be selling her pieces as she completes them, and attendees can always expect to find a special treat for refreshments.

Suzanne Johnson will be opening her collection of antiques, vintage jewelry, and clothing under the name of “Hodgepodge” in August in Building No. 2. She is renting two spaces and has the most recently remodeled cottage. Presently, she is busy with creating an  inviting and cute space, down to placing shutters and flower boxes on the outside. She will also be selling a line of plaques and mailboxes for the home, garden-type items, children’s books, and vintage toys.  Johnson says, “I have been wanting to do this since my 20s.”  Armed with a business degree, she has been busy raising children and selling Avon.  Once she opens in mid-August, the shop will be open Tuesday through Saturday.

A real treat for women and young girls who love vintage clothing is a visit to “Pamela’s Dresses, Hats, and Petticoats Junction.”  Pam and James Setterholm are the proprietors of Building No. 3.  Setterholm has been at the Shops at Ivey for four years.  She began helping another business owner who allowed her to bring some of her items into the shop.  When she left, Setterholm’s husband encouraged her to move her collection out of the house and into a business.  She has been collecting for over 20 years and has been fascinated with vintage clothing since she was a child playing dress-up with her mother’s things from the ’40s.  She says, “I have everything to dress like a million dollars in.”  The shop is packed with dresses, hats, and accessories and easily displayed for a search for that special item. Setterholm says her collection includes vintage clothing from the ’20s onward, stopping with items at least 10 years old.  “I did have stuff from the 1800s, but that sold pretty quickly, and you just can’t find that era anymore.” Setterholm also plans to have a big “Blowout Sale” before July 4.

Evelyn Jones Calhoun will be opening an alteration and sewing shop in mid-August in Building No. 4.  She may undergo a name change from “Evelyn’s Up-in-Stitches” to “Mother’s Dream,” since she feels she is following in her mother’s footsteps.  “I focus on quality regardless of how fast someone needs it,” she says.  “I don’t like to give people a rush job.”  Along with alterations, Calhoun can and will sew simple pattern design clothing, window treatments, table clothes, and basic cushion covers.  Before she opens, she will add a dressing room for her customers.

Carolyn White, owner of Uniquely “3,” had been searching for an affordable retail place for her business since the loss of her husband five months ago.  Specializing in custom giftbaskets, craft items, and catering services, White has much of her focus on weddings.  “I offer a full wedding package, which includes everything that the bride needs except for the dresses and the tux.” The business was started by her father-in-law, Walter T. White; Carolyn White and her husband continued the business, and she now runs it with her son, Walter White III, who is the floral designer.  White wants to use the proceeds of her business to help individuals who need care during their time of sickness. “I know there are a lot of people out there who need help but don’t have the resources,” she says.   She also wants to set up a scholarship fund in her husband’s honor.  Uniquely “3” will be open Monday through Saturday.  Located in Building No. 6, she will celebrate a grand opening in July.

Presently, Collins Variety Shop is located in Building No. 7, but they may be closing.  “Elm’s Way” is located in Building No. 8.  They offer books, glass, jewelry, and toys.

The Shops at Ivey are located at 17100 Jefferson Davis Hwy. 

lfausz@villagepublishing.com | 751-0421

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