Tina Townsend, business owner and mother of four, says owning her own shop was not a lifelong plan, it just created itself over time.
Townsend recalls her father owning his own antique auction block and her mother owned a dollar store in Sidney. In time Townsend realized if she were to open a store, she wanted it to be her own style and she wanted to sell more unique goods.
Townsend says she worked various jobs in management before ending up at Mead Westvaco in Sidney for 13 years. “That job was a lot of fun and honestly I never thought I would leave it,” she said.
But following a serious personal injury which down the road would prevent her from returning to Mead. she explains she was at a crossroads in her life and was unsure where to go next.
Townsend and her husband Daryl, whom she met while at Mead, decided to try their luck, like many others, at the Turning Stone Casino in Oneida. As luck would have it, they won big enough to invest in what is now known as Townsend’s Variety on the downtown strip in Norwich.
Tina explains her brother was a wholesale seller and after seeing what he had to offer and getting in contact with the building owner, she was well on her way to entrepreneurship. Starting small, the store was only a quarter of the size it is today.
After four successful years in business, Townsend says it’s the best job she could ever have. “This is me,” she says.
The variety store expanded into two storefronts last year, added ATV equipment and is currently undergoing some more remodeling. “I still don’t have enough room,” she says.
Townsend explains her store is family-oriented and hires family members as well as other community residents to work for there. She also says the business is family-focus with customers as well and if she can meet their needs, she will. Ordering merchandise is one of the unique aspects of the business, she says. Townsend orders much of her merchandise from the west coast and throughout her four years in operation she says her suppliers already know the taste of her customers. “I don’t even have to send in an order. I simply tell them how much I am spending and they send me the right items,” said Townsend.
Having the freedom to come and go Tina says in another aspect that is great about owning her own store. Although she has recovered from her injury, she said sometimes she simply wants to relax. Being happy with what she is doing she says is most important. “It makes life easier when you are happy with your career. If you’re unhappy it’s not worth it,” she said.
The amount of work owning a business entails did not really surprise Townsend although, laughing she says when it becomes real work she will think about giving it up.
On their off time, the Townsends own a ‘hobby farm’ consisting of beef cattle, cats and a dog. Tina says camping is one of her favorite things to do as well as anything she can do with her family. “We have a lot of family functions, we do fundraising at the school and try to travel when we can get away,” she said. Attending trade shows for her business is exciting she says because they get to travel back and forth.
Through the ups and owns of store ownership Tina explains she is happy where she is and what she can provide to the community.

Editor’s Note: “Chenango Stories” puts the spotlight on those people whose compelling stories you might not otherwise hear. If you know someone who is interested in telling their “Chenango Story,” contact Jill Osterhout at 337-3075 or e-mail: josterhout@evesun.com.