Books by Design

These days with so many mega bookstores shutting their doors, it’s nice to know that Villa Rica has its own Books by Design bookstore that is thriving and getting ready to celebrate its first year in business. This charming shop is filled with bookcases bearing all types of books. Books by Design is the perfect place to find that great beach read before summer ends. Owner, Tiffany Ward, also has children’s books and a collection of books by local authors, Elaine Bailey and Bill Bailey. This Temple High School and UGA graduate decided a year ago that she wanted to combine her love of books and her degree in design. So on August 7, 2010, Books by Design opened at 113 South Candler Street. Along with vast array of books for sale, Tiffany also does interior design. In addition, they offer tutoring and weekly story times for young readers. Tiffany always has something interesting going on in the store. She has contests on Books by Design’s Facebook page where you can win a free book. If you have extra books that are just taking up space, bring them by Books by Design. They will give you credit toward the purchase of their books. The store also has a blog at booksbydesign.wordpress.com. On the Facebook page (Books by Design); you will see store mascot “Doodles”, Tiffany’s Bichon Frise. Doodles will serve as Tiffany’s ring bearer when she marries high school sweetheart, Chuck Powers, on November 18^th. Books by Design is open from 10-6pm Monday thru Thursday, and from 10-4pm Friday and Saturday. They can be reached at 770-823-8763 and at email booksbydesign@gmail.com. Tiffany is planning a big celebration to mark Books by Design’s one year anniversary on Saturday, August 13^th. Be sure to stop by and see all the great things they have to offer.

Another’s Treasures and Antique Mall

Walking into Another’s Treasures and Antique Mall you immediately take a walk down memory lane. As you pass through the different vignettes, you will see a toy that reminds you of one that you had as a child; in another area you see a buffet table or glassware that reminds you of Sunday dinner at Grandma’s house. This store brings together collections from over thirty vendors with an abundance of items. It is almost too much for the eye to take in on just one trip through. They have a room dedicated to the train hobbyist with anything and everything that you may need from component parts to complete setups. They even have an Elvis train! Pass through another area and you see authentic Coca Cola collectibles. The back room has a large selection of antique tools and even piano rolls still in the packaging. Downstairs you will find furniture made of real wood lovingly restored by yet another vendor. As my guide, Carlette, advised, people come in for a specific item and wind up spending hours just browsing through the different booths and reminiscing. Booth space is rented by the month and the renter is able to design and change around their inventory as they wish. The inventory is constantly changing as items are sold and new items are added. Perry and Linda Towns opened Another’s Treasures and Antique Mall ten years ago. In this time, Another’s Treasures has built up a reputation as the place to scout out one of kind pieces. Carlette pointed out some antique phones that are desired for period movies as well as for photography. If you have a specific thing you are looking for, just let one of the dealers know and they can be on the lookout for it and will let you know if they find it. They do have a layaway plan with one third down and 30 days to pay. They are located at 114 Main Street and are open Monday through Saturday from 10am to 5pm. They can be reached at (770)456-7668.

ACRA

ACRA’s primary business is printing and computer repair but, on a recent visit, a customer was overheard commenting that he didn’t realize that they had such a large selection of books available. He likened it to the size of a library. The books are a small part of the many services offered but an important one to owners Ron and Jean Martin, who are both avid readers. In addition to computer sales and repair, ACRA offers all types of printing services from business cards to blueprints. They also offer banners and vehicle lettering as well as office and computer supplies.

When Ron Martin worked with computers in the Army, little did he know that this avocation would follow him throughout his life in several business ventures. The Vietnam veteran and 1960 VRHS graduate worked in the banking industry and landscaping before deciding to open his own business, Romar’s Auto Parts, in 1976. Due to Ron’s extensive knowledge of computers, they became the first auto parts business to have their parts catalogs computerized in 1982. In 1999, Ron decided to open a business specifically related to computers and computer repair and ACRA (an acronym for Affordable, Competent, Reliable, and Available) opened. In 2005, they added printing services to the business. They have been at their present location at 359 West Bankhead Hwy since 2006.

Ron and Jean have a daughter, Tammy, and son, Tim, along with two grandchildren. The Martins live in the Fairfield community. When they are not at ACRA, they enjoy traveling, reading and gardening. Ron is also active in the Villa Rica Business Alliance, a group of local business owners.

If you have any type of printing needs or computer issues, be sure to stop by ACRA and talk with Ron or Jean. They are open from 8am to 6pm Monday thru Friday and can be reached at 770-459-0395 or acravr@bellsouth.net. They truly are “Your Business Resource”.
Contributed by Rhonda McLarty Spruill, Promotions

Amy Brown State Farm

As you travel down South Carroll Road from downtown, you can’t help but notice the many new businesses opening in this former residential area. It is a testament to Villa Rica’s growth that this corridor is providing more opportunities for area residents to shop locally.  One of the first to open in this new area was Amy Brown State Farm. They opened in January, 2008, originally located next door to their current location at 238 South Carroll Road. Amy has been in the insurance industry for the past 11 years, beginning her career with Robert Kenimer’s State Farm office in Carrollton. The Montezuma, Georgia native fell in love with the West Georgia area when she attended the State University of West Georgia.  She decided to stay in this area after she graduated with her B.B.A in Finance. Amy is married to Jason Brown, a physical education teacher at Bay Springs Middle School, and is mom to Allison, who is 5 months old. She also has a 21 year old step son.  The Brown family attends Bowdon Baptist Church in Bowdon, Georgia. Amy is also a Chamber of Commerce Board member.  In talking with Amy, she mentioned that State Farm provides many more services than just insurance. Along with providing life insurance, home insurance and car insurance, State Farm also offers mutual funds and IRA rollovers.  They are also involved with banking and provide most of the services that traditional banks offer such as car loans, certificates of deposits and savings accounts.  If you are in need of insurance or any of these bank-related services, stop by and talk with Amy. She can also be reached at 678-840-5000.
Contributed by Rhonda McLarty Spruill, Promotions

J. Shalane & Company

J. Shalane & Company, a fixture in the downtown area for the last four years, has recently moved to their new location at 530 Main Street in Villa Rica. Owner Sheila Clement and stylists Terri, Terry, and Heather, along with receptionist/shampoo tech Brenda invite you to stop by and see their new location. J. Shalane & Co. offers complete hair care service with fashion forward services and products.
Sheila and her husband Jack moved to the Villa Rica area twelve years ago. They have a daughter, Andrea, and a granddaughter, Abby. The J. Shalane name is a combination of husband Jack’s name and Andrea’s middle name of “Shalane” which was also Sheila’s family’s nickname for her when she was growing up.

J. Shalane & Co. is very focused on community involvement and last year donated prom dresses and shoes from her shop to underprivileged girls who otherwise would not have been able to attend their prom. They are also involved in THE MILL events and working to keep Villa Rica a vibrant city that still has that small town charm.

If you are looking for a new look, or just a haircut, J. Shalane is open from 10-6 Monday thru Friday, and Saturdays 10-4. They take walk-ins or they can be reached at 678-840-8961 for an appointment.
Contributed by Rhonda McLarty Spruill – Promotions

Trader Jack Designs

Becky Lauritzen is working on a design board for a client as I enter her shop, Trader Jack Designs. It is like stepping back in time with the heart pine floors gleaming and the interior decorated with antiques and collectibles from a bygone era. When I asked Becky how she chose the name “Trader Jack” she mentioned that it was from the term “jack of all trades”, since she offers a variety of services. Not only does she offer design services, she also does custom window treatments, custom home furnishing, as well as the antiques in the shop. Her customer base is the Villa Rica and Carrollton area and she even has some Atlanta clients. Trader Jack Designs will celebrate 10 years in business in July, 2011. They have been at their current location on Main Street for the past five years. Becky and her husband, Paul, are parents to four children, and have seven grandchildren. They have lived in Villa Rica for the last 27 years. Once her children were grown, Becky turned a love of design into a career when she opened Trader Jack Designs. She mentioned that a designer can solve a lot of problems for you before you even know that you have a problem. They can help from the very beginning stages of home building in areas of orientation and functionality. If you are planning a new home, or just want to update your surroundings, Trader Jack Designs could be your solution.
Contributed by Rhonda McLarty Spruill – Promotions

Sassy Ladies Boutique

“Sophisticated but not stuffy, classy but not arrogant, trendy but not a fad” reads the tag in Robin Fendley’s hand. That is how she and co-owners, Cheryl Tyson and Vivian Eason hope this is your impression of “Sassy Ladies Boutique”, their shop in downtown Villa Rica. While on vacation together eight years ago, these long-time friends discussed opening a business that sold unique ladies clothing and accessories. Within two months of that beachside conversation, Sassy Ladies opened on November 8, 2002, in their original location on Hwy 61 in Villa Rica. They prospered at that location for four years but knew that they would like to be part of the downtown area. When an opportunity presented itself to them in August, 2006, they moved to their present location at 108 Montgomery Street. With this move they expanded into gift items, plus they of­fer complimentary gift wrapping with each purchase. Each of the three owners all live within walking distance of each other in the Flat Rock community and all attend Flat Rock Baptist Church. They even vacation together! Robin and Will Fendley were a career Navy family, traveling to different areas of the country, they decided to move back to Will’s hometown of Villa Rica once he retired. Robin and Will have a son, daughter, and 3 grandchildren. Cheryl Tyson is a Villa Rica native who was formerly in banking. She and her husband, Allen, who owns a construction company, have a son, daughter, and three grandchildren. Vivian Eason works at Glanton- Hindsman Elementary as well as co-owns Sassy Ladies. She is married to Phil, who retired from Bell South, and has two sons and five grandchildren. Linda Carter and Terri Eldridge also work in the boutique. Its festive window display just makes you smile as you drive by. Many out-of-towners have turned around and come back to the store while passing through downtown. Once you are inside, you will be amazed by the beautiful clothes and one-of-a-kind accessories. You are sure to find something for everyone on your list. Be sure to stop by soon!
Contributed by Rhonda McLarty Spruill – Promotions

Cherie Armand Clothing & Exchange Co.

From the moment you walk through the robin’s egg blue doorway into Cherie Armand, you are greeted warmly by brother and sister proprietors, Francisco Costa and Tatiana Costa Valentine. Having opened earlier this year in downtown Villa Rica, the store evokes the feeling of an upscale boutique but without the boutique prices. Francisco, a recent graduate of South Paulding High School, and Tatiana, a veteran of corporate Atlanta, decided they wanted to start a local business that combined their love of fashion and clothing. Together with their parents, Cynthia and Jorge, they opened Cherie Armand in May, 2010. The name “Cherie Armand” is a combination of Tati­ana’s and Francisco’s middle names. The Costa family moved to the Villa Rica area five years ago from Fort Lauderdale, FL. Jorge Costa does custom cabinetry; some of his work can be seen in the decor at Cherie Armand. Mom, Cynthia, is a realtor who also works in the boutique as well as models for Cherie Armand. Francisco is also an avid photographer. His photographs were used as backdrops during the Cherie Armand fashion show at the recent “A Taste of Villa Rica” event. When not working in the boutique, the family enjoys traveling, especially cruises, cooking and leading a healthy lifestyle. The Costas have been big supporters of “The Mill” and are active par­ticipants at many events. We are excited to have the Costa family as one of the Main Street Villa Rica merchants and wish them continued success.
Contributed by Rhonda McLarty Spruill – Promotions