Arts and crafts outlet moves to bigger building on Campbell Street
By Joe Paldino
LURAY, June 27 – A stream of family, friends, and supporters convened at the Pretty On Y’all ribbon cutting ceremony celebrating the business’ move to a bigger, newer location. Formerly located on West Main Street, Pretty On Y’all now sits on Campbell Street, a short walk away.
Regina Hilliard, President of the Luray-Page County Chamber of Commerce, felt as if the growth of Pretty On Y’all was all but expected since the business was started three years ago.
“As the Chamber, we believe when local businesses grow, our community grows with them,” Hilliard said. “[Pretty On Y’all is] a prime example of that. They started a business here three years ago. They’ve now expanded, found a bigger location, so they are growing…Our community is growing. And not only [does] Luray benefit from that, but our entire county benefits from that [as well].”
Co-Owner Catalina Cencich was also happy with the relocation, as well as the support shown by various parties throughout the process.
“[The move] was fairly easy,” Cencich said. “I reached out to the Chamber and the Luray Downtown Initiative, and they ended up knowing some people who were looking for tenants and they got us connected. The process was not difficult at all and I’m really thankful for that support.”
Catalina and her mother Andrea — the other co-owner of Pretty On Y’all — fostered the business with the goal of creating a safe space for anybody to come craft. Through that mindset, the business garnered the support of many over the years.
“I think it’s really important for people to reach out for healthy outlets,” Catalina said. “Especially nowadays. Art is one of those [outlets] and we wanted to have that in this town [that] I think was lacking that…This town is extremely artistic, so we wanted [to create] a space for that so people can express [themselves].”
On top of some hand-crafted art by Catalina and Andrea, one of the ways Pretty On Y’all supports its community is by selling works of local artists.
“We’ve been blessed that a lot of local artists have been here,” said Catalina. “They have a lot of their items [at the store] so we support them that way. They get mostly all of the funds from everything that comes here. Some of these [artists] are college students, some of them are retired and they’re just looking for extra cash, so we give them an opportunity to sell [at a not] ridiculous price.”
Many of the arts and crafts are a hit with children, who are welcomed to Pretty On Y’all through camps, lessons, and more.
“We offer plenty of classes and camps,” said Catalina. “They are for all ages and we do a lot of painting, fiber arts, crocheting…These are camps where me and my mother give them lessons and we teach them proper techniques…That’s actually been a hit.”
The support from the community at the ribbon cutting was well-represented, which was no surprise to Hilliard.
“I don’t look at their place as just a retail place,” she said. “They are so much more than that. They [have] a welcoming atmosphere. You walk in there and they’re just so welcoming and kind. You can not only just shop, but you can make crafts and be artistic. They’ll help you along the way and be overly thrilled [about it].”
Catalina felt as if the support from the community was also why Pretty On Y’all was able to progress so well over the years.
“It’s been really great,” she said. “I’m really thankful that so many people showed up. It really means a lot to have this much support. I feel like it’s really important that you give back to the community. The community [here] has always given back by supporting [which is] why we [are] able to be in a much bigger space.”
“I want to thank the town and the community [for] all the support we’ve gotten,” she continued. “We’re really blessed and thankful to have the space and to be part of Luray. It really is a magical place.”
For more information about Pretty On Y’all,
•••
RELATED ARTICLES
Chamber celebrates a century during 100th annual banquet
Chamber cuts ribbon to mark century of service
Be the first to comment