Shopper Blog: English Language Learners face a real test: reading to Inskip kindergartners
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HALLS
English Language Learners face a real test: reading to Inskip kindergartners
Ali James, Shopper News
Central High School’s English Language Learners (ELL) class has a leadership program, and instead of sitting for a test at the end or earning a piece of paper, they decided to do something more action-based.
“We brainstormed ways we could give back to the community,” said ELL teacher Ashley Cutshall. They decided to read to a kindergarten class at Inskip Elementary School.
The class took preparation seriously. They visited their school library and selected kindergarten-appropriate books from the children’s section. “We worked on how to read to the 5-year-olds,” said Cutshall. “How do you keep up their engagement? We practiced tone, using different voices, and pausing to ask questions.”
When they arrived at Inskip, one of Cutshall’s seniors admitted excitement. “There were about five kindergarten classes, and two or three of our students took turns reading to the kindergartners,” said Cutshall, who peeked into each classroom. “I didn’t want my students to feel nervous or like they were being watched.”
The kindergarteners were immediately engaged.
“I watched as one of my senior boys was the first to read and the kids were spread out in front of him,” said Cutshall. “They were spread out at first, and then all of the kids began to inch closer and closer. By the third book, the boy reading had no space to read at all.”
The absolute highlight of the experience for Cutshall was the bus ride back to Central. “Every one of my students wanted to talk about their students,” she said. “One little girl curled up on one of my students’ lap while he read.”
This is Cutshall’s first year at Central. Before that, she taught at Northwest Middle School for seven years.
The first class Cutshall taught graduated last year, and she was proud to bump into one of those graduates, who is an interpreter at UT Medical Center.
“We have a very large ELL population at Central; we service 120 students actively,” she said. “Beyond that we have students that have proven their proficiency, we just support them on an as-needed basis. We check in with them up to two years after they graduate to make sure they have adjusted well after leaving our services.”
The fourth period English Language Learners class is made up of mostly 12th graders and one 10th grade student. “They are bilingual and just need a little bit of support in some of their other classes, preparing for the ACTs and extra help with academic language,” said Cutshall.
The plan is to continue this service project.
“I would like to do this quarterly and choose a different feeder school each time, with new books and a different partner,” said Cutshall. “Before Christmas we want to go to Fountain City Elementary, and I am hoping to connect to Lonsdale, too, as many of our students went there.
“I hope this will give them confidence and that they will not be shy about serving their community.”
FARRAGUT
Farragut actress Nikki Estridge has an Amazon bestseller with ‘Hoo’s Driving the Bus’
Nancy Anderson, Shopper News
Nikki Estridge of Farragut is a busy woman these days. She is the daughter of Karns notable actor Cylk Cozart and is an award-winning actor in her own right, having appeared on such TV shows as “Law and Order SVU” and “Queen Sugar.”
She has a full-time job, in addition to acting, owns three companies with her husband, Matt, and is mother to two rambunctious boys.
Writing a children’s book was last on her list until the pandemic.
Like everyone else housebound during the height of the pandemic, Estridge needed something to do. She used that time to connect with her inner creative self. The result is a charming children’s book, “Hoo’s Driving the Bus,” which debuted No. 1 on the bestseller’s list on Amazon.
“The book is about Gigi the Giraffe, who goes on an adventure to find a bus driver to take her and teammates to the biggest ballgame of the season. They are in danger of missing the game with no driver to take them.
“It’s filled with alliteration and phonemic funnies. The illustrations are amazing; every page is bright and beautiful. I was lucky to have a gifted illustrator in Syama Mithun. I would just send her rough sketches and she would send back these amazing illustrations,” said Estridge.
Writing a children’s book can be difficult. The author has to engage parents and kids alike. Kids have to pick the book and parents have to see its value.
“I know that kids will not get all the alliteration or the puns, but adults have to enjoy it, too. I thought they’d get a chuckle out of a few surprises in the book.
“The genesis of the book is my love of sports, especially softball (she played for the University of Tennessee) and my interest in child development.
“I didn’t know I had a book in me. The pandemic was bad for some people and great for others. I connected to my creativity and just started writing. I did put it down for a time to go do a film project, but it was all right there when I picked it back up.”
Estridge connected with Knox County Mayor Glenn Jacobs, who frequently reads to kids during his Read City USA project. He ordered two books and connected Estridge to resources that could get her book placed in school and public libraries.
Estridge used her sons Brooks, 7, and Styles, 9, for feedback while writing her book.
“They are just wild boys who don’t care about books. Many of them seem so blah with only one or two really good illustrations. I wanted to engage them. I thought if I could win over my own kids, maybe it will be a good book.”
Estridge may write another children’s book; she’s brimming with ideas. But for now her main focus is her children, husband and acting career.
POWELL
Powell woman helps one reader at a time with phonetics; it's 'the best way'
Al Lesar, Shopper News
When Robin Rouse found out Derrick Howell was headed to college, she couldn’t contain her joy.
“It was so exciting,” Rouse said. “It was just amazing.”
Rouse got to know Derrick when he was in first grade in Winter Haven, Florida. His public grade school labeled him as a student who could not read and would not be able to learn to read.
That’s a challenge that Rouse, who had just started her reading tutoring business in 1995, still loves to embrace.Derrick was one of her first students and best success stories. His mother was committed to helping her son overcome the hurdle. She sat through every session through the spring and summer before second grade.
“Derrick was a transformed child,” Rouse said. “His mother said he was so backward; inward. He wouldn’t go anywhere on his own. Once he learned to read, he became so outgoing. He was the first one to help other students. He was a different person.”
Rouse, who has lived in Powell since 2010, has brought her Excellence in Reading Services and her formula for success to the area.
Sound-based curriculum
Rouse is a firm believer in a phonetically-based curriculum called Abeka. There is a faith-based element to the program that is also used in homeschool settings.
She said most schools have gone away from the sound-based system for teaching reading in favor of a sight-based plan, which she said is fine for the hearing-impaired, but not for those who hear normally.
“Our country veered away from the best way of teaching,” she said. “What we have is a spoken language. Phonetics are the best way to teach it.”
Of the hundreds of children Rouse has tutored, she has had just two that didn’t leave with the reading skills.
“One student was let go because of behavior,” Rouse said. “Another was older and pulled out because the work was very challenging for her. She was too overwhelmed.”
Rouse understands the impact she has made.
“If not for my intervention, there’s no way to guess where these kids would end up,” Rouse said. “God is using me. This is a life-changing intervention.”
Every 45-minute session Rouse has is a one-on-one experience.
“I get to know my students personally,” she said. “I enjoy watching them blossom. They gain a self-confidence when they’re able to read. It’s so rewarding.”
A reason to teach
Rouse’s faith-based background has included several stops involving missionary work with her husband, Victor. With an elementary education degree in hand, Rouse has used her talent to teach children – in conventional schools and tutoring circumstances – all over the country.
Still, no matter where she went, children are the same.
“My last session, I have the same talk with each kid,” she said. “I’d say, ‘Do you know why the founding fathers wanted a citizenry that was literate? To be able to read the scripture. They wanted God’s hand of blessings to be on you and me and our city, our state and our nation.’
“That’s why I do what I do. That’s why I want to teach every child to read.”
Rouse added that it’s important for parents to take an active role.
“I always encourage parents to be very focused on their children,” she said. “Many parents have no idea how remedial their child is. Be aware where your child is. You’re their only advocate.”
Rouse offers sessions throughout the school year and summer. She recommends two 45-minute sessions a week but realizes finances can limit it to one. Having one session a week is $35. Two sessions a week is $30/session.
For more information, contact Rouse at: 865-947-5767
NORTH KNOXVILLE
Lots of spooky fun this weekend in Northeast Knoxville!
Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News
Northeast Knoxville is positively bubbling and brewing with Halloween fun this weekend. Whether you’re out and about with smaller goblins, or looking for some grownup fun, chances are good that the older part of our city, with its historic homes and rich history, will deliver a good time for all.
For the ultimate in Extreme Makeovers, check out Theatre Knoxville Downtown’s production of “Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde,” adapted by Jeffrey Hatcher from the novella “The Strange Case of Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde” by Robert Louis Stevenson. It runs through Sunday at Theatre Knoxville Downtown, 800 South Central Street. For tickets/info, call 865-544-1999 or visit theatreknoxville.com/dr-jekyll-and-mr-hyde.
Haunted Knoxville Ghost Tours, led by paranormal historian and teacher J-Adam Smith, are always a good bet for a fun, informative and unique experience. Think you know your city? There may be residents you’re not aware of. Tours run twice a day and once on Halloween night. Visit hauntedknoxville.net.
Mabry-Hazen House presents A Victorian Séance Experience from 6:30 -10:30 p.m. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. True manifestations of spirits, or clever parlor tricks? Sitters can decide for themselves as they experience this eerie yet ubiquitous aspect of 19th century American life. Visit www.eventbrite.com/e/a-victorian-seance-experience-tickets-171390893777.
Mabry-Hazen House also hosts the House of Tarot. No reservation needed to come browse wares from Halloween vendors, and a $10 voucher buys you a Tarot Reading. Open nightly 6-11:30 on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. Both events take place at Mabry-Hazen House, 1171 Dandridge Avenue.
Lastly, there’s The Haunt at House Yates, presented by a Fairmont-Emoriland couple as a fundraiser for the Love Kitchen.
For the past three years, Randy and Heidi Yates have set up a spectacular outdoor walk-through-style haunted experience featuring a 16-foot squeeze tunnel, pneumatic props, animatronics, live actors and more in their backyard. Children and those who prefer a less intense experience can have their own not-too-scary fun with a movie and candy in the front yard. This year it’s “Ghostbusters.” And on Halloween night, the Smoky Mountain Ghostbusters ‒ a nonprofit, charity-aid group who represents “all things Ghostbusters” ‒ will be there.
Parents of four grown children, the Yateses work as contractors and seem like fairly normal people. You’d never suspect that, in addition to presenting their epic annual frightfest, he’s also a coach for the Hard Knox Roller Derby and she skates as Lyda Kain. Randy says, “we just like it. We’re different.”
Did we mention they also drive a hearse?
The couple greatly appreciates their neighbors’ good-natured tolerance. “Last year the line to get in was a block long,” says Randy. “There’s a big church down the street; they bus kids in from neighborhoods where they don’t get to go trick or treating. We’ve had multiple kids, children, teens come up and thank us. It’s their Screamville or their FrightWorks; they wouldn’t be able to spend $40 to go see that.”
The event is free. Canned food and monetary donations are welcome, with 100% of the proceeds going to the Love Kitchen. For more info, visit The Haunt at House Yates on Facebook.
And have a happy and safe Halloween!
SOUTH KNOXVILLE
Pups’ home away from home moves to new digs
Ali James, Shopper News
Jenn Hilliard picks up her walkie talkie and asks if one of the day care groups can come outside to play. Within minutes, seven dogs come bounding into a sunlit and spacious yard for a game of fetch.
Pawz Dog Services, dubbed the South of the River Dog Lodge, is open at 410 West Blount Avenue and offers boarding, grooming, day care and training. And plenty of play time.
“We have more space, a better building and location and can accommodate more dogs in a better way,” said Hilliard, who opened Pawz Dog Services in January 2018.
“In our old building we didn’t have indoor play yards, so if it rained or snowed, they didn’t get to go outside and play,” she added. “Now, we have almost three times the amount of play space.”
During the day, dogs of all breeds and sizes get to mingle and participate in group play and other enrichment activities.
“They get to be a dog while they are here,” said Hilliard, who looks after a lot of apartment-dwelling pooches. “They can bring a blanket or a toy that they love. Everybody brings their own food, and we offer kennel food, too.”
There is capacity for up to 120 dogs. Last week, with fall break and people being out of town, it was very busy, Hilliard said.
Since opening, Pawz Dog Services has scooped up accolades for their pet boarding as both a winner and finalist in the Knox Stars Awards every year.
“Our main focus tends to be boarding, providing a second home away from home,” said Hilliard. “People love that we offer drop-in visits and taking the dogs for walks.”. We are pretty much an all-service pet company.”
The South Knoxville native said she has loved seeing the people she grew up with support her business and watch her grow. While the new site has proven popular with their clientele, “we may have lost a few as there was a bit of a further drive. But our dogs seem happier,” she said.
“I always loved dogs and started out working at a vet, but hated being the person they didn’t want to see,” said Hilliard. “I did dog sitting on the side and it took off. I changed my focus and committed.”
It’s been a whirlwind couple of months for Hilliard, who married her co-manager and dog trainer, Anthony Hilliard, just three weeks after they moved to their new facility.
To celebrate fall, Pawz Dog Services is offering pumpkin spice Puppaccinos, paw print mini pumpkins and Halloween dress-up photos through Oct. 31.
They also host holiday parties. For Christmas, they make ornaments and sit for Christmas photos. “On Valentine’s Day we have a kissing booth, photos with the Easter Bunny for Easter,” said Hilliard.
“For Mother’s Day we do a craft and make a card.”
Hilliard said they offer wedding services for dogs too.
A grand opening will likely be held after the busy fall season is over. Pawz Dog Services also participates in local events such as Mardi Growl and Cars for Canines.
There is a Pawz portal where dog owners can fill out a new dog application, upload care instructions, vaccination records, any treats or activities they want to participate in.
“They are required to do a meet and greet and a free day care for a day to get to know the dogs and make sure they will be comfortable here,” Hilliard said. “We accept all breeds. We love all of the dogs.”
Hilliard said they plan to be there for 10 years at least. “We are adding two more yards, and we want to add another groomer and add training classes,” she said.
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POWELL
'Special girl' inspires couple to put nonprofit to work fighting poverty
Al Lesar, Shopper News
Loving Daphka lit a fire within Jeff and Ashley (Cunningham) Petress that burns brightly today.
The Petresses met Daphka in a Haiti orphanage about a decade ago. The country was slow to recover from a devastating earthquake years earlier and poverty was rampant.
Daphka was among 70 children in an orphanage that was dirty and lacking the bare necessities.
“We developed a relationship with that special girl,” said Jeff, a 2008 Powell High School graduate. “We got to the point (in 2014) that we started the adoption process.”
Part of the process is obtaining the death certificates of the natural parents. Daphka’s mother died in childbirth a few years after she was born. That was easy to locate.
Her father was a little trickier – maybe because he wasn’t dead.
“One day when we were in Haiti, the orphanage director asked if we’d like to talk to Daphka’s father,” Jeff said. “We were stunned.”
It turned out that after her mother died, Daphka’s father couldn’t handle her and her sisters.
“If he stayed home with them and didn’t work, they’d starve,” Jeff said. “If he went to work, they would be home alone. He couldn’t afford to have anyone stay with them.”
The orphanage was the best solution.
“Her father wanted Daphka to go to the United States for a better life,” Jeff said.
Solving a dilemma
Jeff and Ashley, who live in Powell, surely had the resources to provide a better life. But the thought of taking a girl from her father didn’t sit well with them. They’ve both had a religious background and it didn’t seem the Christian thing to do.
“Over 80% of the children in the orphanages in Haiti have at least one parent that is alive,” Jeff said. “Most of them are in this same situation.”
Jeff and Ashley went to work finding a trade school for Daphka’s father. He was trained in masonry and finally got a job that paid well. He was able to get his daughters out of the orphanage and created a job for someone to stay with them while he was gone.
That was the test case for what turned out to be Second Chance Global Inc., a nonprofit that started in 2016 with the mission of training residents of Haiti and now the Dominican Republic in an effort to fight the poverty.
Passions are a hobby
Jeff and Ashley have one child with another on the way. Jeff teaches health sciences at Fulton High School and is a pastor at City Hills Church, while Ashley (a 2009 Powell High School graduate) runs the nonprofit.
They have teamed with Empowered International, based in Fort Wayne, Indiana, which helps match the trained people with jobs.
“The church work and the nonprofit are passions of mine, so that’s just my hobby,” said Jeff, whose background was as an emergency medical technician. “I do have a newfound respect for teachers.”
Jeff said the trend with nonprofits has been to get away from the child-sponsorship model of the ‘90s. That wasn’t helping anyone in the country get out of poverty. Jeff said this program can help the country be in a better position.For more information, go to secondchanceglobal.org.
SOUTH KNOXVILLE
Halloween single release party should be a hootenanny
Ali James, Shopper News
Local artist Ashton Browne will be releasing his new Halloween single, “Humming Halloween Hootenanny,” this Saturday at Trailhead Beer Market. The spooky-themed event is called Ashton Browne’s Humming Happening Horseshoe Helicopter Handkerchief Honda Halloween Hootenanny and will start at 6 p.m.
“It is pretty much a singer/songwriter meets a drum machine,” said Browne of his musical style. “That is a little oversimplified, but it is gospel influenced, funky and simply heart music.”
So, why the wordy event title? “It is actually part of my creativity; I take something and stretch it out and milk it as much as I can,” said Browne. “It is everything I have going on in my life: I have a really cool Honda Acty (and a fleet of Hondas) so I find that really interesting. All of the H words are eclectic, it is idiosyncratic and is something that makes you say, Huh?”
Browne will be playing bass, with guitarist Jake Smith, drummer Jon Whitlock and Brandon Whittaker on the piano.
Trailhead Beer Market, 1317 Island Home Ave., was the perfect venue for Browne’s Halloween single party. “I have lots of good friends who love the bar,” he said. “It is a great place and they have had consistently good music there over the last year.”
Partygoers are invited to come in costume to enter a contest and “boo” the band. “I dress up every day and I accept that Halloween is like my every day,” added Browne.
“The event will be a Halloween show and we are also talking to the Trailhead owner about the timing and making it a little bit of a pep rally for the Vols [who kick off at 7 p.m. against Kentucky],” said Browne.
Trailhead Beer Market has some of the most up-to-date and interesting IPAs on tap, according to Browne. El Gato Peligroso, a South Knoxville-based food truck, will be serving up and selling specials such as Carnitas or Cuban-style tacos, mac & cheese cooked in a skillet, a burger and soup of the week – and don’t forget the double fried fries and spinach con queso sides.
There might even be some ghost stories – or at least some ghastly jokes. “We improvise in ways that could be ghoulish, although ghost stories could be a bit exaggerative,” he said.
Browne was talking to the Shopper News on his way to Montana, where he spent three weeks touring earlier this year. “I have been traveling a lot this year,” he said. “I played bass in War & Treaty for two years; funnily enough those were the pandemic years.”
Browne believes that when it comes to holidays, Halloween is more popular than Friendship or Flag Day, and that Thanksgiving is one of the most overlooked holidays. “I released ‘Food, Family and Friends’ for Thanksgiving,” he said.
Browne’s single is available on Spotify and iTunes. “People can follow me on social media, on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube for the latest,” he said.
BEARDEN
New studio provides canvas to share passion for art
John Shearer, Shopper News
After realizing her passion for arts and crafts, Cristina Von Goihman of Knoxville has come up with her own art-related creation as a vocation: an artists’ studio where art and craft pieces can be made through classes.
Von Goihman recently had an open house at her new studio at 8078 Kingston Pike, Suite 111, by Downtown West Boulevard and is looking forward to getting started as the various programs become finalized.
“I’m excited to share my passion for crafts,” she said, adding that she plans to teach and lead various craft-related classes, while a local artist, Nicole Tucker, will teach some painting classes.
When Von Goihman relocated to Knoxville about a year ago from the Alexandria, Virginia, area, it was the rise and fall of the stock market, not the up and down motion of a paint brush, that was on her mind.
Having worked as an executive assistant to various CEOs, she came down to work with a financial firm here before a serious health issue with a key official led to the elimination of her job. She then thought about studying to become certified as a financial adviser when she realized the idea of that did not stoke any passion.
But doing plenty of arts and crafts with the 4-year-old daughter of a former boyfriend did. Although knowing the Knoxville area already has such class-focused art studios as AR Workshop, Painting with a Twist, and Board & Brush, those times with the youngster eventually led to a decision to open her own facility called the Artisans Club.
With the help of Mark Shipe of Holrob Commercial Realty, who has also encouraged her in her business, she found a space where a smoothie drink shop had been. Although those businesses don’t seem related, they both require plenty of sink space for rinsing, and that is what drew her to lease that property.
“I knew when I got this place, it was the perfect location,” she said, adding that additional factors also made it feel right.
She is still trying to get the word out about her facility and hopes to begin having classes soon. Those interested in learning more or wanting to sign up for the classes can go to the website at www.theartisansclubknoxville.com or email her at contact@theartisansclubknoxville.com. The phone number is (571) 388-0049.
Among the classes planned for up to 12 people each are making fall welcome signs, decorative pumpkins and skulls, and a fairy garden, as well as learning to paint with Tucker. Von Goihman is also making plans to get a beer and wine license and offer yoga classes.
She also hopes to use the studio classes for birthday parties, corporate parties, team building, virtual events, bridal showers, bachelorette parties, fundraisers and baby showers.
Von Goihman said that many of the classes will be only $30 per person or slightly more.
For her, this is not only an opportunity to enjoy a rewarding career, but also a chance to revisit part of her childhood she feels she missed, saying she wants to keep others from missing out. In explaining, she said she always enjoyed the avocation when she was young, but she had to put it aside when she started working at age 15 to help her family.
That lifestyle continued when the now-35-year-old had to put some of her college work on hold as well before later finishing school.
She added that she hopes the Artisans Club proves to be a rewarding venture financially and knows it already has emotionally.
“This is my passion project,” she said with a smile. “I feel good about myself.”
NORTH KNOXVILLE
New Head Start center opens in Western Heights
Carol Z. Shane, Shopper News
On Tuesday, Oct. 18 – just over a year since the groundbreaking – the new Western Heights Head Start center was officially opened.
When it comes to revitalizing a community and doing everything possible to ensure success for children and families, everyone involved in the multimillion-dollar “Transforming Western” initiative – including Knoxville’s Community Development Corporation (KCDC), Knoxville-Knox County Community Action Committee (CAC), Knoxville City Council and Western Heights residents – agreed on the first step: Build a Head Start.
“I can’t tell you the value that Head Start is going to bring to this community,” said Reneé Hauge, Head Start and Early Head Start director. “I know that third grade reading rates are predictive of future success in school and in life, and that starts with our babies. Hearing the words, being able to experiment with language – the more words they hear, the more books are associated with learning, the better they’re going to be.”
According to nhsa.org, the National Head Start Association website, participants in the program are 12% less likely to live in poverty as adults and 29% less likely to receive public assistance. “What happens now in the birth-to-3, 3-to-5 age group is going to be impactful to these children once they hit high school and once they graduate and go on to college – because our kids will be going on to college,” Hauge said.
Offering words of congratulations were Mayor Indya Kincannon, CAC consultant and retired former Head Start director Nancy Thomas, KCDC Executive Director and CEO Ben Bentley, Knoxville City Council member Gwen McKenzie, CAC Board Chair Tank Strickland and Knox County Commissioner Dasha Lundy.
The new facility, featuring spacious classrooms and plenty of outdoor play areas, is right in the Western Heights community.
Thomas said, “We serve those children now, but we serve them at different centers. Typically, we transport them because it’s out of their area. If you come to their neighborhood, it gives them a longer day.”
Barbara Kelly, CAC’s executive director, said, “Head Start not only works with the children but has a comprehensive approach in working with the parents as well. It doesn’t help to help the kids if you’re not helping the family. We want to care for the big picture.
“The fact that the parents will also be the residents of the neighborhood we’re serving will give opportunities for people not only to be involved with the Head Start center, but to be involved in the community, to give back and be respected for their contributions.”
Thomas said, “One of the things that Head Start has always done that we haven’t been able to do since COVID is have our parents come in to the classroom and volunteer. That’s where you grow people. They say, ‘what do I need to do to be a teacher here?’” Kelly said, “We hope to have employment opportunities [and] some training programs so that families that are interested in becoming child care providers have an opportunity to do that. And we desperately need child care.”
Thomas said there are still a few loose ends left to tie up before the center welcomes the children after Thanksgiving.
Administrator Debra Petree and her team can’t wait for the classrooms to be filled with kids. “We’re so excited. We really enjoy being right there where the children are.”
HALLS
Trixie’s Boutique gets into the spirit of the season
Ali James, Shopper News
Last fall, Nicole Hopkins moved her businesses, Trixie’s Boutique and Pure Southern Photography, from Union County to Halls, and since then she has been a go-to for custom school spirit wear.
“We kind of got ahead of schedule this year,” said the Halls High alum, “releasing new stuff at the end of July and first of August.”
A little unsure of what would sell like hotcakes, Hopkins took preorders on her new school T-shirt, hooded and crew neck sweatshirt designs; red bleach dyed shirts with sublimation prints. “It was really hot, but our sweatshirts were one of the first things that sold out,” she said. “We were pressing shirts and they would come hot off the press right into the customers’ hands.”
Trixie’s Boutique might be in Halls, but its social media following is much broader. “When we released this sweatshirt design we had followers asking us to make shirts for Bearden, Gibbs, Powell, Central and Union County,” said Hopkins. “They would get together with other moms to see if there was enough interest for an order.”
It can be hard to determine what items will sell best. “We took the Red Devils and Halls designs to an event and even though the designs are fairly close, the Halls sold better because they are good for everyone, not just the Red Devils,” said Hopkins.
In addition to T-shirts and sweatshirts, Trixie’s Boutique sells handcrafted earrings for local schools, and Hopkins taught her niece to print neoprene car coasters. Some of them have the Halls logo on them.
Another popular item is the Gypsy Jazz red slip on shoes. “We have carried that brand for almost two years,” said Hopkins. “We had a huge rush on them; the first set we had sold out in a day and a half.”
Trixie’s Boutique prints their fun T-shirt designs in-house in limited runs for those looking for something seasonal that cannot be found in the major chain stores.
“Our Hocus Pocus (Get in Loser, We’re Going Witchin) T-shirts have done very well, especially close to the movie’s release,” said Hopkins. Trixie’s Boutique has started putting their Halloween and school spirit wear on sale. “November 1st this whole store flips to Christmas.”
Trixie's Boutique also participates in a new annual sale, Pink Friday, on Nov. 18. “It’s before Black Friday and it’s for small boutique owners,” said Hopkins. “We will start our event at 6 p.m. because it is easier for shoppers coming after work and they don’t have to get up early. Every year so far we have had a line out the door. We will give out goody bags to the first 10 shoppers, have a deal on a set of shoes and other sales.”
Trixie’s Boutique has started holding large craft fairs in the parking lot of the Black Oak Plaza, where her two businesses are located. “When we started slowing down in July we hosted a craft fair with 60 vendors,” said Hopkins. “In October we also hosted a car show with 50 cars entered.”
Pure Southern Photography, Hopkins’ other business right next door, has been doing well, too. “We have had over 83 photo sessions over the summer with the baby calves in our barn,” she said.
OPINION
The closet is a metaphor
Leslie Snow, Shopper News
Somewhere deep in my entryway closet is my hat. I open the double closet doors and stare, hoping the lightweight cap with the cute little opening for my ponytail will emerge from the clutter. When my hat refuses to make an appearance, I grab a ball cap and head out for my morning walk hoping my ears will tolerate the cold. They don’t.
The next day, it’s even colder. I approach the closet with trepidation, knowing that this time in addition to the cute little cap, I’ll also need to find my jacket. Not the heavy coat with the faux-fur hood and the quilted front, but the lightweight jacket I wear for walking.
I open the closet doors slowly, hoping that by some chance, benevolent elves or fairies have cleared away the old shoes, the dusty umbrellas, and the deflated soccer balls to reveal my black coat with the pink lining, but no such luck. My messy entryway closet is still muddled and cluttered and filled to the brim with the flotsam and jetsam of life.
I spend a few minutes searching for my walking clothes then give up. I grab the ball cap and my heavy coat and walk three miles, listening to the protests of my frozen ears and my hot torso. I make a solemn vow to clean my closet later that day.
But then my dad’s caregiver calls in sick and my mom needs me to pick up a prescription. Buttercup is running low on dog food, plus I’m out of coffee. And wine. I spend the day running errands and never find time to clean the closet. With a nod to absurdity and irony, I make a vow to stop making vows that I can’t keep and go on with my busy day.
Later, I think about my entryway closet. I think about all the times I blamed the closet for the clutter inside. The closet was too small. It needed hooks or shelves or some kind of storage cube.
Once, I even hired a carpenter to add a cubby and to replace the ugly bi-fold doors with pretty, new double doors. But nothing I did changed the closet. The contents couldn’t be transformed even with the skills of a talented carpenter. And the beautiful double doors with the delicate wood grain and the rubbed oil bronze handles are just a façade. They mask the problem but do nothing to solve it.
It wasn’t until this morning, when I was frantically pulling out old socks and unloved purses in search of my warm gloves, that I called my entryway closet by its proper name: Metaphor. That’s what my closet is, a metaphor for my life.
My closet holds too much and is full of useless things I need to get rid of. There are some good things in there too, precious things, but they’re hard to find and easy to lose. And despite all the mess hidden inside, the exterior gives nothing away. Anyone who walked into my house would believe I live a tidy life. But as they say, looks can be deceiving. Those pretty closet doors mask the chaos and clutter inside and give the impression that everything is fine. Hunky-dory. Perfect, really.
Sometimes when I’m driving through town, I study all the tidy neighborhoods with their rows of manicured lawns, and I wonder if I’m the only one hiding a messy life behind a pretty façade. I wonder if anyone else has a closet like mine and if, one day, I’ll finally find my hat.
Leslie Snow may be reached at snow column@aol.com.
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