The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

Money

October 17, 2009

New nest

Speckled Hen becomes Charming Chick

A Beckley business has a new name and a new owner.

The Speckled Hen on Eisenhower Drive has become The Charming Chick. Joan Osborne, who earned her bachelor’s degree in business this year, took over the business Sept. 25 and will host her grand opening Nov. 6-7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. each day.

“I really enjoy coming to work every day. I love the atmosphere, and this is a place where I can find ways to be more creative,” Osborne said.

She credits the former owners for their work in operating the business the past four years.

“They did all the hard work of getting it started and building a good customer base. Now, it will be up to me to keep those customers happy and to continue to build the business.”

The shop stocks a wide variety of candles, tarts, fabrics and supplies for crafts such as wool appliqué and punch needle work and embroidery.

Osborne has added gift baskets that can be made to fit a person’s hobbies or for special occasions such as Mother’s Day or Christmas.

Classes will be available for some of the crafts, and long-term plans include adding quilting supplies to the shop.

“I’m working my way into what we already have to offer, and as I meet more of our customers and get a better idea of what they would like to see us offer, I plan to build on that and add things gradually as the interest increases,” she said.

A Beckley native, Osborne grew up sewing, but many of the crafts such as dyeing wool are new to her.

“Part of what I enjoy so much is learning new things and being able to be more creative.”

The mother of two sons, Osborne spent 25 years as a medical transcriptionist, working much of that time from home.

“I have worked at a hospital and for a doctor, but working from home allowed me to be with my children more, and that was important to me,” she said.

She always thought she would like to own her own business. After graduating from Woodrow Wilson High School, she took some classes at the former Beckley College. Over the years, she pursued her business degree, which she finally earned from Franklin University in Columbus, Ohio.

“I also took some marketing classes, and I think that will help me a lot in this business,” Osborne said. “The business background has also prepared me for owning and running a business, so I’m excited to try my wings and see how this goes.”

— E-mail: bdavis@register-herald.com

Money
  • bakery Wild Flour Bakery

    Morning’s wrath is long away as you shift in your bed, look at the clock and adjust your pillow.

    March 6, 2010 1 Photo

  • auto mall Davis, Hylton purchase Beckley auto dealership

    While many car dealers were just happy to see 2009 come to a close after horrendous auto sales, two local dealers were thinking expansion.

    March 6, 2010 1 Photo

  • PetSmart to open in late spring in Crossroads Mall

    Representatives from PREIT and Crossroads Mall have announced that a lease with PetSmart has been signed. The retailer will occupy 12,000 square feet in the mall. Construction will begin this month and PetSmart will celebrate its grand opening in late spring 2010.

    March 6, 2010

  • italianos Italiano's

    A new take-home eatery has opened in Sophia.

    February 27, 2010 1 Photo

  • gunsmoke GUNSMOKE

    Gunsmoke.

    No, this isn’t Dodge City, but there’s a new pistol range in town.

    Scott Calhoun opened Gunsmoke Indoor Pistol Range on Feb. 1 next door to Riviera Stone at 120 Hardwoods Drive in Beckley and says he has seen a steady flow of pistol enthusiasts, novices and beginners come through his door.

    February 20, 2010 1 Photo

  • Expert says firearms training is a vital tool

    Concealed weapon permits are on the rise, experts say, and taking classes from a credible instructor can be the difference between life and death.

    February 20, 2010

  • Summersville hospital undergoes a name change

    It’s official. Summersville Community Hospital has been renamed Summersville Regional Medical Center to reflect its growing presence in surrounding areas, CEO Debbie Hill said.

    February 20, 2010

  • amishbarn Family business offers goods directly from Amish community

    Rodney Lewis’ alarm sounds at 5 a.m. as he prepares for an 800-mile trek to Holmes County, Ohio.

    February 13, 2010 1 Photo

  • Allegheny Energy sold to FirstEnergy

    February 11, 2010

  • diogi Diogi’s

    When people heard Diogi’s Mexican Grill and Cantina was relocating from its legendary location below New River Bike and Touring on Keller Avenue, talk circulated that the little restaurant’s air of “coolness” wasn’t making the move.

    February 6, 2010 1 Photo

AP Video

Hyperlocal Search

Premier Guide
Find a business

Walking Fingers
Maps, Menus, Store hours, Coupons, and more...
Premier Guide

Community Calendar

Loading…
Events by eviesays.com