By TYLER STOCKS

Washington Daily News

 

Walt Disney once said, “If you can dream it, you can do it.”

Landis Woolard, owner of Cottage Junkies, did it. She opened her business in Washington on Dec. 8, 2012. Her business has been succesful, and Tuesday night, Woolard was named Entrepreneur of the Year for 2013 by the Washington-Beaufort County Chamber of Commerce at its annual awards banquet.

“It was a total shock, I wasn’t expecting it. I was born and raised here, went to school at Washington High School and then I graduated and went out to the community college at Beaufort and got my business degree,” Woolard said.

Woolard began Cottage Junkies as a way to pursue her interests in art and design. The idea for the business came from her grandmother.

“It all came about from my grandmother. She owned a bed and breakfast up in Newport News, Va. That’s just something I’ve always been interested in.”

The fun Woolard has can be contagious to those who are seeking to recreate and restore old antiques that some might say are just giant dust collectors. She said that having an interest in design makes her job as a “picker” feel like a dream.

“I wanted to do the design part of it and never went off to school for design. I wanted to open my own business in my own town. I was born and raised here, so that really made a difference to me, keeping it here,” Woolard said.

She continued: “Entrepreneurship is definitely something I wouldn’t have ever dreamed of. It’s definitely a blessing, and I’m very thankful to the community and its support.”

Apart from the antiques, jewelry, scarves and home-decor items sold in her store, Woolard is active when it comes to community involvement. One example is in how Woolard helps train students interested in design.

“There is a girl who comes in from high school that we have work and help us out. It’s hands-on for her, and she will get great experience when it comes to customer service,” Woolard said.

When not at her store, Woolard and her family participate in estate sales and auctions throughout North Carolina. Keeping business dollars here while bringing unique items to her customers is the focus.  Cottage Junkies also partners with artists in Washington. A few of the locally produced items include burlap bags, soaps, scarves, jewelry, towels and note cards.

“Made in the USA, that’s what we’re trying to get more involved with. For 2014, my goal is to bring more local in rather than commercial. We just have fun going and looking for pieces to bring back and put a smile on people’s faces,” Woolard said.

You can follow Cottage Junkies on Facebook or call the shop at 252-943-8042. The business is located at 103 N. Market St.