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.
Thus far, the business has been a success, according to Hodges. Some McDonough residents have extended a warm welcome and are excited about the new ideas brought on by the business while others have taken advantage of daily lunch specials offered at the store, she said.
Things have gone really good so far,” said Hodges, citing the success of their first month in business. “We have some people that just keep coming back.”
The co-owners said they’re always seeking local artists to utilize the trading post to show off art work.
“We have new stuff that’s coming in every day,” Jones noted.
The two are presently looking for furriers, jam and jelly makers, and honey producers to expand on the goods they offer.
The two are also exploring the possibility of book signing events for local authors and live music performances for area musicians. What’s more, they’re organizing workshops for residents interested in learning to make some of the items they sell and plan to hold classes in the near future.
The Traditional Gone Wild Trading Post opens every day at 7 a.m.