Today we’d like to introduce you to Tanya McCarn.
Hi Tanya, it’s an honor to have you on the platform. Thanks for taking the time to share your story with us – to start maybe you can share some of your backstory with our readers?
Our small business originally started as a kitchen table hobby under a different name. My daughter and I started making jewelry to pass the time during COVID quarantine in 2020. Very quickly, we realized that we loved making jewelry and even more, we loved seeing people wear the items we made. When everything started opening back up, my daughter returned to college and I was left with this growing “hobby.”
As a full time teacher, I went back to work and was selling earrings to other staff members and educators. In October 2022, the jewelry line grew and I started making handstamped metal jewelry. That slowly morphed into clothing and accessories as I joined a collective in our small town in Uptown Lexington.
In September 2024, I was offered the chance to have my own storefront in historic Uptown Lexington and it was an offer I couldn’t refuse! I officially open my brick and mortar store on October 1, 2024 offering clothing and accessories for men, women and children as well as jewelry and speciality gift items; some of these items are handcrafted by other small business owners.
I’m sure it wasn’t obstacle-free, but would you say the journey has been fairly smooth so far?
As a full time teacher running and owning a business in a historic part of town, time and finances have been a struggle getting started. It has taken many months to find the “groove” of Uptown Lexington and begin to fit in as so many businesses are generations old. I teach during the day and work the store each evening and on weekends.
There has been a learning curve of the inner workings of owning a small business such as about permits, deposits, taxes, employment, insurance!
Appreciate you sharing that. What should we know about Rosemary’s Emporium, LLC?
I offer products from many other small buisness owners such as handcrafted greeting cards, candles, hand sewn kitchen items, handcrafted knives, dolls, etc. I do wholesale many items for women, men and children such clothing, accessories, jewelry and home decor. I consider my store a one stop gift shop.
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
My business is significant to the community because I offer a place for meetings, classes, craft nights, etc. I also provide a cozy place for a personal shopping experience. My store motto is, “Come in as a customer and leave as a friend.” Because of this cozy atmosphere, many customers come back time and again. I feel that I bring fresh ideas and enthusiasm to our uptown community. I plan to retire July 1, 2026 to devote my time and energy into growing my business and also join the Uptown Lexington group to promote tourism in our area. I feel that I could be helpful as our depot districts continues to grow!
Pricing:
- Event Rental Space – $300 / 4 hours
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.rosemarysemporium.com
- Instagram: @rosemarysemporium
- Facebook: @rosemarysemporium
- Other: @rosemarysemporium (Tik Tok)
