A little bit of everything
Tanglewood resident Diane Clower longed to open a business all her own from the helm of Virginia College. She had been part owner of the school for several years.
In February 2012, she, along with her husband, Ed, and daughter Leslie Self, made that a reality when they opened Fancy Goods Variety in Rocky Ridge Plaza.
“My mother thought that within this area, there was room to sell gifts, particularly toys and party favor-type supplies,” said Self, who manages day-to-day operations and is the face of the store for many of Fancy Good’s regulars.
The store boasts a large selection of Melissa and Doug items, kitchen towels, tote bags and inspirational gifts, including ornaments, crib crosses and stationery.
It also offers complimentary gift wrap and provides monogramming services with a four-day turnaround.
In-the-know parents have made Fancy Goods Variety a must for custom-made party favor bags, which can be assembled with a unique and affordable array of items, and wrapped in coordinating party colors.
Self said the store’s wrapping materials, including their wide range of colored raffia and various sized cellophane bags, in hard-to-find-elsewhere sizes, are also a steady staple for shoppers.
Clower also designs décor wire mesh bows per customer specifications, which range in price from $10 to $50, and are available within a two to three day turnaround.
For Self, who spent two decades of her career working in real estate law, the retail setting is a refreshing change.
The store’s commitment to civic activities is a particular passion for her.
“During the 2014 Vestavia Hills Elementary East Halloween Carnival, we donated $500 worth of toys,” she said. “Leading up to Veteran’s Day, we also donated a portion of proceeds to the Wounded Warrior Project, which support Lakeshore Rehab’s programs for vets.”
Self plans to continue with other events in 2015. The mission is important for Clower as well.
“Our customers are best around,” she said. “We enjoy participating in community activities and seeking ways to enhance our contribution to Vestavia Hills and the surrounding communities.”
In its three-year existence, the store has evolved its inventory from small toys and party favors to include higher end items, including several lines of custom-made jewelry. Their most popular lines are Freshie & Zero out of Nashville, Belle Vita from Little Rock, Arkansas, and Hoover’s own Majestees.
In addition to sourcing new ideas from her twice-annual trips to the Atlanta market, Self networks with area artisans to carry their items as well.
From this effort, Fancy Goods hosted its first-ever Arts on the Plaza in December 2014. The event featured a dozen local artisans and by Self’s account, was a huge success in terms of bringing new foot traffic to the shopping district.
Fancy Goods Variety is located in Rocky Ridge Plaza Shopping Center. For more information, call 978-1451.