Life & Work with Georgeanne Midgette

Today we’d like to introduce you to Georgeanne Midgette.

Hi Georgeanne, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today. 
I’ve always wanted to bring something for all ages to our community for some time now. It all started when I opened my other business (Small Town Trendz) in 2015. I tried over and over to add the fun candy style to the gift/boutique store but could never get it to work the way I wanted it to. Then last year, my fiancé Will convinced me that I could do it and he would help me make my dream a reality. So, we found suppliers and displays up and down the East Coast from PA to GA. Once we had what we felt we had a good start, we started hunting locations. First, we wanted to go right beside our other store to make things easy, but that quickly fell through. We were disappointed to say the least, but knew that God would shine the light on what would be perfect and work for what we needed. Then, out of many stores, the Poindexter Street location just fell right into place for us. It was perfect, and the landlord was so accommodating for our vision to come a reality. We collected our displays, and candy was rolling in from our supplies, but if you ask me, the Ice Cream is my favorite. It took some time, but we were able to convince Simply Natural Creamery out of NC to allow us to serve their hand-dipped ice cream. This was a big win for me as I’m an ice cream junkie. It took a few months to turn the place around, and we opened July 7th, 2023. This was our local Downtown First Friday Artwalk. It could not have been more perfect between the community coming out to the smiles on everyone’s faces it was a dream come true. To this day, I have to pinch myself to make sure it’s real. There is not one day that goes by that I don’t thank God for allowing me to help brighten up someone’s day by bringing them sweets from their past or just a scoop of ice cream. 

Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not, what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
I would have to say that the biggest struggle was finding the candy supplies and being able to purchase displays. Who knew that candy could take up to a month to ship, and then when you receive it, most of the boxes are damage because they were shorthanded to pack it properly. Staff shortage is real everywhere, and owning three stores has had its shortages; we just make do where with the hand that we are dealt and keep smiling. I truly believe that God will not give us more that we can handle. There is no reason to complain about it; we just have to make do. 

Thanks – so, what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I have been in some way, shape, or form a salesperson all my life. My mom owned her very own store in Elizabeth City for a good part of her life, and my dad and Granddad before them right on Fearing Street. I guess it runs in the family. I feel like most small business owners are a jack of all trades; we have to wear all the hats in order to keep our doors open. 

We all have a different way of looking at and defining success. How do you define success?
Defining success is easy to me. Success is seeing smiles on customer’s faces, helping our community in any way we can, and praying to see another day. 

Contact Info:

• Website: www.smalltowntrendz.com / Harbor Treatz doesn’t have one yet
• Instagram: https:/instagram.com/harbortreatz?igshid+mzmynguynmu2yq==
• Facebook: harbortreatz
• Yelp: harbortreatz