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Recently, I took a trip to Amish Country with a specific destination in mind. For a while now, I’ve been following 55 West & Co.’s blog, and had always had good intentions of seeing it for myself.  Finally I took time to go.  I figure, life’s too short for just having good intentions.

And so,

LeeAnn and I escaped over to 45 W Jackson St in quaint Millersburg, Ohio to our artful destination. The exterior of this building is instant eye candy which made us want a taste of what is inside.

Because of what we saw and experienced that day, It’s my pleasure to introduce you all to
55 West & Co.

From the wood floors to the ornate tin ceiling, a pleasing combination of old and new filled me with excitement and I just moved from one section to the next and was blown away by the personality and creativity that is 55 West.    

LeeAnn and I were chatting and taking it all in, but in the distance, we could here the sounds of a saw and some creative commotion coming from the back of the store.    It was then that we experienced the biggest treat of all. We met owner/Artist Stefanie Kauffman.  It didn’t take long to learn that she is also a visionary.

What was once a dusty old building full of history and character is now a fun, full of life experience that respects the past and reflects Stefanie’s vision of transformation and repurposing in a beautiful balance that made me want to just take a piece of it home with me or as Stefanie said, “just hang out and visit”
 
This was the home of Maxwell Bros. Clothing store from 1866-2002. When they closed the doors of this building and their business, it was the oldest family owned clothing store in the United States.  Stefanie told us a wonderful story of treasures that were discovered when she purchased it. You’ll have to ask her about it yourself when you visit.

Although, each wall and floor display caught my eye, I was searching to see, up close and personal, something that Stefanie had shown on her blog  many times.  She says her Mother has named them “Instant Ancestors”  

I’m sure, if you look closely, you’ll recognize what this started life to be.  They are those portraits from years past that are often, if no family member claims them, found at auctions and antique stores.  I couldn’t wait to ask Stefanie about them.  I wanted to know where the idea came from, whatever made her think of using them as a canvas? And how does she decide what quotes to paint on the glass?  She simply said that she noticed them and always were drawn to the expressions on their faces.   “They basically tell me what quote I should add to their portrait”, said Stefanie.  They tell her who they want to be.  

It’s reinventing, repurposing, honoring the past, and looking toward the future with humor and with fun in mind.  And that’s what I’ll think of every time I see one of these unique Ancestors who’ve been given new life and personality with the stroke of Stefanie’s creative brush.

In talking with Stefanie and getting to know her a bit, I commented on many things and she said that in the beginning of this adventure, she thought she was a business woman, but now she’s realizes that she just defines herself as "a flaky artist”.  I believe, as an artist, that just means she’s coming into her own.  

You will find so many treasures in this wonderful place.  Don't miss ascending to the second floor where you’ll find vintage clothing and more as the sign says…

The most unique and Artfully crafted jewelry display is something you won’t want to miss.

Home décor, Art, furniture..This store is an eclectic mix.  Stefanie does custom decorative painting on furniture pieces you find in the store or ask her about a piece of your own that is begging for a artful lift.

So you must plan a visit to 55 West and Co. who has generously donated a $55 gift certificate as our November Giveaway.  Enter on the form below. Wow, what a Giveaway prize!!

You won’t want to miss this! November 28th 7-10 p.m.,  55 West & Co's annual Holiday Soiree takes place on the Sat. following Thanksgiving every year. “We offer 20 % off everything in the store from 7-10pm. We encourage everyone to overdress and this year will offer 25% off everything to those who attend in formal attire. 55 customers are all very unique, so we understand that some don't want to get all dolled-up, but they are still encouraged to attend!” Stefanie says.

I must say, after my visit, I have to agree that 55 West and Co. is.....Quite possibly the coolest store on the planet!

Blessings,
Tina

Congratulations to Nancy Haenitsch the Winner of the “Give Thanks” stitchery!  I’ll be contacting you soon and have your prize shipped as soon as possible.  Enjoy!

Thanks to all who entered
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