McDONOUGH – A new business in the Town of McDonough is off and running, providing distinctive, one-of-a-kind items to local shoppers.

The Traditional Gone Wild Trading Post, owned and operated by cousins Michelle “Wind Song” Hodges and Tina “Soft Feathers” Jones, opened its doors for the first time in mid-April. The store carries essential groceries and hardware, along with unique, hand-crafted items made by local artists and merchants.

Customers may shop for hand-made beaded jewelry, wooden toys and wooden spoons, and pine needle baskets, in addition to homemade soaps and laundry detergents. Moreover, the co-owners stock books from local authors and the work of artists throughout the area. Even the work of local florists is sold on the front steps of the store.

Hodges and Jones are also working with two non-profit organizations; the Wounded Warriors Foundation and the Sunshine Fund – each of which sell items at the store with a percentage of the proceeds benefitting their cause.

“We try to find things that are different and unusual,” explained Hodges. “A lot of the stuff we provide is provided by local artists ... We’re trying to get local people. There’s a lot of talent out here and we want to show it off,” she said.

The owners said they take pride in offering items not traditionally available in the area and stay true as a trading post, hosting a barter and trade session from 10 a.m. to noon every Saturday in the store’s parking lot.