Products made in West Virginia and America—that’s the merchandise The Vintage Lady (169 High St., Harpers Ferry) seeks for the community.
Owner Cindi Dunn always wanted to combine her creativity and business background. Before buying the shop 15 years ago, she worked there for two years—leading the previous owner to suggest she buy the business. It was the perfect time in Dunn’s life to have a change of pace, as well as an opportunity for she and her husband to work together. And having the shop just up the street from where they live, in Harpers Ferry, was a plus too.
The Vintage Lady carries a variety of unique items—a little something for everyone—from West Virginia hand-blown glass, pottery, carved coal, food, wine, and beer. Dunn also sells her own handmade jewelry, which she’s been making since the early ‘90s.
Sadly, the shop was destroyed in the 2015 Harpers Ferry fire, requiring Dunn and her husband to have to rebuild the business, having experienced a total loss. But they embraced it as an opportunity to recreate The Vintage Lady.
“As tragic as the fire was, it allowed us to really start from scratch; we brought back only our very best sellers,” Dunn explained. “We really love working directly with artists, and forming long-lasting relationships with them.”
One thing in particular Dunn loves about operating her own business in Harpers Ferry is meeting tourists—which allows her to exhibit the pride she has in both her hometown and state.
“Having a small business in Harpers Ferry provides us with a wonderful opportunity to welcome tourists from literally all over the world,” she boasted.
To keep track, the shop has a book for guests to sign when they visit the store. “This past year, we had visitors from all fifty states, and it wasn’t unusual to have over thirty countries represented each month.”
In addition to consistently donating to statewide charities like Meals on Wheels and flood relief organizations, Dunn makes it a priority to provide quality customer service and a positive atmosphere. “We truly love what we do, and the customers feel that.”
For more information, click the above link, call 304-535-1313, and find The Vintage Lady on Facebook.
By Lena Camilletti