Creative Decor and More: The Farmhouse Shop

After a successful summer in her new location in downtown Mildmay, Carrie Fortney says she has high hopes for her business, The Farmhouse Shop.

Fortney, who was originally from the Mildmay area, moved her existing business to Mildmay’s main street in June of this year, and said she has felt very welcomed by the local community. Similarly, travelers who stop by her shop on the way to local cottages or other vacation spots, have also been great, she said.

The shop, which sells décor and local home products, has benefited significantly not only from local interest, but also from travelers, she said.

“People travelling through, stopping by on their way to the beach, has been a good bit of the business,” she said. “They come from Toronto, Chatham and further, and they’re noticing the business either when they’re here, or online.”

The Farmhouse Shop originally opened last year, Fortney said, as she had space in Neustadt at her home. It was open from June to Christmas, but then she realized she needed a more permanent location.

Going back to Mildmay was an easy choice to make, she said, but there were other options. She said she was weighing the pros and cons of different locations, when her current space on Mildmay’s main street came up.

“There’s a school, and sports, and I have connections here, but the big thing is it just feels like home,” she said of being in Mildmay. “That’s huge when you’re moving a business.”

Forney started the business doing craft shows and open houses but was soon looking for a way to reach customers on a more regular basis.

Fortney said the Municipality of South Bruce has offered help throughout the process, including information about grants, workshops, online courses and offering help through promotions. She says she plans on investigating those opportunities next year.

The community has been a major drive, she said, in helping her feel successful.

“There are a lot of people stopping by who are excited,” she said. “I’ve had a great response from the community and local area.”

Through offering unique product lines with local ties, she said she has drawn a lot of customers through word-of-mouth. Those products include cheese, candles, stone art and self-care products as well as her own creations, including handmade wreaths and flower arrangements.

Carrie Fortney in the Farmhouse Shop

The local products are mixed in with seasonal home décor, both new and vintage.

The store, however, is just one of her services, Fortney said, as she will do both in-store and in-house consulting for decorating ideas.

“I have a big variety of rotating stock,” she said. “The displays change often, and people see them and it gives them ideas for how to decorate, which I can help with.”

The shop is a second career for Fortney, who still works in the recreation therapy field, but she is glad to be able to have her new opportunity, to be part of the community and given the chance to support community initiatives, and excited to be part of the Mildmay Chamber of Commerce.

For more details, look up the Farmhouse Shop on Facebook.

This article is part of an ongoing Community Revitalization series initiated by the Municipality of South Bruce.