I used to really like shopping. It didn’t matter what for… shoes, fishing tackle, rugs, groceries, books, shirts, horse tack, whatever. But that all changed a few years ago. I can’t really pinpoint when it was, but now if I can’t get it from Co-op or Sam’s Club, it comes from Amazon. I just don’t do crowds or digging through crap.
But in 2012, when I was shopping for bridesmaid gifts, I wanted to get each of my girls a present that was as individual as they were. No matchy-matchy necklaces for them. This proved to be no small feat.
I was in downtown Sevierville, I think on my way back from the post office, when the cute little boutique in the old white farmhouse caught my eye. I’d been meaning to stop since it was the Common Good but just never got around to it.
I was down to the last few days before the wedding and grasping at straws for a few of my girls. I had nothing to lose.
I whipped in.
I opened the back door hesitantly.
“Welcome to Loralei’s!” A red haired girl behind the counter greeted me warmly.
I returned her smile. Before I could help myself, I was telling her how I’d thought about stopping a hundred times but never had an opportunity. I was gazing at all the shiny baubles that surrounded me, touching everything, breathing in the heavenly aroma of handmade soaps.
She told me she was glad to have me at last, to take my time, and holler if I needed her. She introduced herself as Lorie, proprietor of the shop. I wandered in a daze, picking up jewelry for my mom, one of my girls, and….myself. I still couldn’t find anything for my cousin or my horsey friend. I kept looking at this beautiful print of cows, though.
“Anything special you’re looking for?”
I explained my predicament. She listened carefully. I didn’t want to get my other friends girly gifts, but get Jena a picture of cows. Even though it was perfect.
“You keep going back to it. Just get it, and if you change your mind, or she doesn’t like it, you can trade it.”
Sold.
At that was the beginning of my friendship with Lorie that continues till this day. She has never failed to help me select the perfect gift. Just like today. I always receive a compliment when I wear something I bought from her: sparkly headbands, cute tops, and bracelet after bracelet. She keeps wish lists, so when your {clueless} husband pops in, she’s ready for him. She has lots to choose from for bridal and baby shower gifts, housewarmings, and birthdays. Or just to say “thank you for being a friend”. Plus, she offers monogramming & lots of ways to customize. So, although her store isn’t located as conveniently as it used to be for me, I still drive out to get her expertise. I go to support a local business. I go for that special touch.
If you haven’t shopped Loralei’s, you don’t know what you’re missing. As she says, “Come as a customer, leave as a friend.” I sure did.