BUCKHANNON – Surrounded by family, friends, vendors and local government representatives, Mountain Mama Market + Artistry cut a ribbon Friday, signifying the business’s grand opening as Chamber of Commerce members officially welcomed the new retail store to downtown Buckhannon.
In celebration of local artists and small business owners finding a home at this store, Mountain Mama Market + Artistry became a member of the Buckhannon-Upshur Chamber of Commerce. Their first order of business? A formal ribbon cutting at noon.
“I am excited and overwhelmed by the support of the community and the vendors that made this happen,” said Shanda Hoover, owner of Mountain Mama Market + Artistry.
Mountain Mama Market + Artistry opened their doors in downtown Buckhannon in April of this year. This store offers Buckhannon residents and visitors a wide variety of handmade items that are unique to this area. Local products include earrings, greeting cards, clothing, signs, cupcakes, home décor, local honey and so much more!
Rhett Dusenbury, a representative for Rep. Alex Mooney, attended Friday’s ribbon cutting to offer congratulations on behalf of Mooney, who represents West Virginia’ 2nd Congressional District. Dusenbury read aloud a note from Mooney who commended Hoover on her vision and success thus far.
“Your new business will provide citizens of Upshur County with an option for gifts created by local artists while providing much-needed jobs for local citizens,” Dusenbury read. “With the pandemic changing our lives and our economy, thank you for giving Upshur County an example that shows our dreams of business ownership are still alive and attainable while providing artists an option to profit from their creativity.”
Indeed, Hoover’s passion for photography and the arts lead her into the world of handmade products and instilled a sense of the importance of supporting small businesses in the Mountain State.
“I’ve had a photography business for 11 years, but I always wanted a studio,” said Hoover. “I’m also artistic and thought it would be cool to mix those two things together and have a gift shop of not just my items, but also open my store to area vendors.”
Hoover’s original business plan included the collaboration of Mountain Mama Market + Artistry with at least 20 West Virginia craft vendors. With a large smile, Hoover expressed she now is working with almost 50 vendors statewide and wishes to humbly say ‘thank you’ to the vendors for the support she has received.
Mountain Mama Market + Artistry is offering a variety of exciting opportunities for the Buckhannon community:
- A venue space is now available for party rentals! Book this space for an upcoming birthday party, baby shower, bridal shower, or any party you can think of. Put on your party hats and reserve this space today!
- Stay tuned for upcoming classes held in the venue space via the Mountain Mama Market + Artistry Facebook page. In the coming months, Hoover will offer photography, painting and sewing classes, so keep an eye out for more details on these learning opportunities!
- Mountain Mama Market + Artistry is now offering 10% discounts to students of West Virginia Wesleyan College and those in the military with valid ID cards.
Whether a guest of the store is a vendor, customer, class participant or event space visitor, Hoover hopes all who walk through the door feel they are met with kindness.
“I’m Christian and I know I didn’t get here by myself; it was all God,” said Hoover. “I want my customers to come into my store and feel that when they walk in.”
Located at 14 North Kanawha Street in Buckhannon, Mountain Mama Market + Artistry is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Questions regarding the store, reserving venue space or vendor opportunities can be directed to the owner, Shanda Hoover, via the Mountain Mama Market + Artistry Facebook page or by email shepaintslove@gmail.com.
