Page 33 - Classically Carolina 2018

DOWNTOWN

is my best friend. Of course, it’s a thought she might be able to make
wonderful situation. What could be a decent side business with services
better than working with your best such as window treatments and
friend?” upholstery. She went out and bought
business cards and put them out
But there’s more to it than that. around town, then waited, terrified
that someone would actually call.
There’s the blessing of making a Things began to fall into place
good living doing what you love after she attended a seminar that
and are good at doing. That they expanded her skills, and Gordon
are good at what they do is borne bought her a commercial sewing
out by business growth. They machine.
have gone from Martha being a
one-woman operation to Martha, She started out working at home,
Ashley, Gordon, three full-time then moved to a space in a factory
production people and a part-time building. When Ashley joined the
administrative assistant. business, they moved to their
present location on Rutledge Street.
Then, there is real pride and They couldn’t be happier with the
excitement in discovering that the move.
rest of the world is discovering just
how good martha & ash products “As far as a physical store, this is
and services really are. where I prefer to be, much more
than in some big city,” Ashley says.
Through it all, they fall back on the love and strength “People come in, and most of them are faces you know
of family and community -- and Camden is where they and love. Others are newcomers who are excited to even
would rather be than anywhere else. find such a business in this quaint little town.”

Martha, who had always enjoyed sewing, launched the Camden is a major influence on her work and her life,
original business, D’Antignac Designs, in 2003. She Ashley says.

CAMDEN ~ CLASSICALLY CAROLINA / 51