We're excited to connect with small businesses and restaurants owned by members of the Darlington Community through our Darlington Connects series. Today we’re thrilled to highlight small retail and art businesses. We encourage our Darlington family, both near and far, to support each other!
Art by AmieSab
Art by AmieSab, owned by Amie Sabourin, offers abstract art, personalized beaded jewelry, and upcycled and embellished apparel. Amie and her husband, Tom, are the parents of Darlington sophomore Mollie and alumna Maddie (’18). Visit AmieSab online at www.artbyamiesab.com and on Instagram @artbyamiesab.
Bluem
Carol Rutledge, mother of Christina (Rutledge) Ricks (‘08) and Anna Grace (Rutledge) Newton (‘12), recently opened a new shop in Rome. Bluem is a boutique garden shop located in Rome’s River District that offers specialty live green plants, unique containers, garden accessories, custom plant design, and arrangements, as well as community workshops. Susan Hortman (current grandparent), the wife of Dr. Bob Hortman (’72) and mother of Jeff (’02), Janie (’03), and Robert (’99), works at Bluem with Carol. Check out Bluem in person at 217 N. 5th Avenue SW Rome, on Instagram @bluemrome, and online at https://bluemrome.com. Bluem’s digital presence is managed by Darlington alumna Hope Sonam (‘06) at The Social Project @thesocialprojectbiz.
The Canoe House
This holiday season, swing through one of Rome’s most unique shops, The Canoe House, and you’ll find gifts for everyone on your list! They offer specialty outdoor gear -- such as fly fishing equipment, canoes, and kayaks -- along with men’s and women’s apparel, gifts, and other unique goods. The shop is owned by Brandon Williams and Ashley Fricks, parents of Darlington sophomore Grey Fricks. Visit The Canoe House in Rome at 608 Broad Street, on Instagram @thecanoehouse, and shop online at www.thecanoehouserome.com.
Do Good Boutique
Do Good Boutique is a retail shop in downtown Rome that offers shoppers a place to purchase with purpose. Their products have been responsibly sourced so that they carry items that are fairly traded, are environmentally friendly, and/or support local, national, or global charities. They carry women’s apparel and accessories, home goods, jewelry, and bath and body products. Do Good Boutique is owned by Allison Watters, who is married to Darlington alum Ed Watters (’83). Their two daughters are Ivy (‘21) and Grace (’20). Check out Do Good Boutique on Facebook and Instagram @Do_Good_Boutique or in person at 215 Broad St.
Hajosy Arts
Cristina Hajosy (’85) is a mixed media book artist, photographer, and art educator in the Boston area. She’s the owner of Hajosy Arts, her atelier of photography, printmaking, bookmaking, artists books/journals and decorative papers. Cristina’s Etsy store features marbled creations on paper and fabric, home decor items, book arts, hand-printed art supplies, and fine art prints. New items are added daily and U.S. shipping is included. Visit the Hajosy Arts website at www.hajosyarts.com and shop online at https://www.etsy.com/shop/HajosyArts.
KCDesigns
KCDesigns, owned and operated by Kendall Collins Duggan (’97), offers custom vinyl creations and jewelry. Kendall and her husband, Stewart, are the parents of Darlington fifth-grader Levi and eighth-grader Noah. Check out KCDesigns on Instagram @_KCDesigns or on Facebook.
The Lemon Basket
The Lemon Basket is owned by Darlington alum Jenny Burch (’04). Jenny shared, “Our slogan ‘When Life Gives You Lemons, Make Lemonade’ came from an essay written by Harrison Popham (who passed away in 2009 from Muscular Dystrophy). We try to focus all of our shirts on positivity, which we found perfect with everything happening in 2020.” Shop online at www.thelemonbasket.shop or in person at the Rome location 315 Riverside Parkway, Suite 140.
Peacock Junction Antique Mall
Dan Wade (’76) owns Peacock Junction Antique Mall in Adairsville, Ga. They offer antiques, furnishings and decor. Visit Peacock Junction Antique Mall online at www.peacockjunctionantiquemallGA.com, on Facebook, or in person at 107 Railroad Street, Adairsville, Ga.
Rabbit’s Nest of Rome and Earthworks Pottery Studio & The Gallery at Earthworks Pottery
Lisa Smith is the owner of two small businesses in Rome, Rabbit’s Nest of Rome and Earthworks Pottery Studio & The Gallery at Earthworks Pottery. Lisa is the grandmother of two Darlington students, kindergartner Hollis Hoyt and fourth-grader Hudson Hoyt. Rabbit’s Nest is a children’s specialty boutique featuring smocked, traditional, and trendy style clothing; educational STEM toys, books, plush lovies; and much more. Monogramming is available on site along with appliqué, including design capabilities for a special occasion or birthday. Visit Rabbit’s nest on Facebook, Instagram @rabbitsnestofrome, and in person 215 Broad Street, Suite 103, Rome. Earthworks is a pottery studio offering pottery classes for all ages, including wheel-throwing and hand-building. They offer everything from a one-time, two-hour class, to six-week session classes, to date nights, to girls' nights, to parties, to summer camps, and more. Located upstairs at Earthworks are pieces handmade by local artists. Artwork, pottery, felted designs, jewelry, notecards and more are available. Visit Earthworks on Facebook, Instagram @earthworks_pottery, and in person at 718 East Second Avenue, Rome.
RayLen Vineyards
Joyce (Riddle) Neely ('62T) and her husband, Joe, own RayLen Vineyards in Mocksville, N.C. The winery, nestled in the Yadkin Valley, is less than 20 miles from downtown Winston-Salem. RayLen offers a variety of products, including award-winning red, white, sparkling and port-style dessert wines. The winery is open seven days a week for wine tastings. They also have a calendar of events that are open to the public. Their products can be purchased on their website, and they offer shipping throughout the United States and abroad. From a spontaneous weekend adventure to a celebratory event, RayLen is sure to leave a lasting impression. To learn more about RayLen Vineyards, order their products, or plan a visit, check out their website or find them on Facebook and on Instagram @raylenvineyardsnc.
Rome Mural CoLab
Rome Mural CoLab is an initiative led by two Rome local Rome artists, Xaivier Ringer ('04) and Ellie Borromeo, created to ignite public spaces and interest in Rome, Georgia through mural art—inspiring tourism, pride and community beautification. Learn more about Rome Mural CoLab on their website https://www.romemuralcolab.com/ and Instagram @romemuralcolab.
South of Dearing
South of Dearing, owned by Georgia (Harris) Wooller (’02), specializes in hand-gilded oyster shell gifts, from ring dishes and holiday ornaments to canvases and napkin rings. Her work makes the perfect gift or conversation piece for your home. Check out South of Dearing on Instagram @southofdearing or online www.southofdearing.com.
The Stitchery
The Stitchery is a modern-day fabric and sew shoppe located in Rome. They are a Baby Lock sewing machine dealer and repair shop, specializing in education and one-on-one training. The business is owned by Stephanie Bradshaw, mother of Darlington senior Madeline Bradshaw. Visit the Stitchery online at www.thestitcheryrome.com and in person at 9 Central Plaza Rome.
Trout: Thirty
Trout: Thirty is a startup fly fishing apparel company founded by three guys who simply wish that they were able to fly fish more than their busy lives now allow. They jump at every opportunity for a day on the water, and in order to make the most of the rare occasion, the wake call has to be early—aka "Trout: Thirty". Trout: Thirty was created for the most passionate anglers out there—those who want to spread their enthusiasm for fly fishing to their friends and families. Their foremost goal is to grow this community of like minded anglers, while also ensuring folks are “rocking some killer gear” while out on the water. Of note is that the three founders of Trout: Thirty are all married to Darlington alumnae: Justin Bruce is the husband of Elizabeth (Collier) Bruce (’03), Caleb Babington is the husband of Natalie (Brock) Babington (’08), and Seth McWhorter is the husband of Claire (Davis) McWhorter (’08).To peruse Trout: Thirty apparel and flies, visit their website http://www.troutthirty.com/ and Instagram page @Troutthirty.
Top Hat Formal Wear & Bridal Shop
Top Hat Formal Wear & Bridal Shop, located in Downtown Rome, offers men’s formal wear, bridal gowns, bridesmaids, prom dresses, and formals. The business is owned by Darlington alum Pam (Braden) McAbee (’76). She is the mother of Darlington alumni Ben McAbee (’07) and Kim (McAbee) Gunby (’09). Visit Top Hat Formal Wear & Bridal Shop online at www.tophatformalwear.net , on Facebook, on Instagram @tophatformalwear, and in person at 245 Broad St, Rome.
With Regards Inc.
With Regards Inc., owned by Ashley Wright (‘96, LD ’20), is a botanical, floral, gift and wine shop located in Brevard, N.C. You can find a gift for just about everyone on your list or treat yourself to a gift! Check out With Regards online at www.withregardsbvd.com, on Instagram at @with_regards_bvd, and in person at 46 W Jordan St, Brevard, N.C.
If you own a small business or restaurant owner and would like to be included in a spotlight and website, please email connect@darlingtonschool.org with your business information.
