06/03/2026
❤️ After Nearly 10 Years, It’s Time for a New Chapter ❤️
There are some announcements that are incredibly difficult to write, and this is one of them.
After nearly 10 years, I am officially no longer the owner of Hometown Cottage.
What started as a dream became so much more than a boutique. Hometown Cottage was one of the very first vendor-based store models in the Tri-Cities area, and what began with a simple vision grew into a thriving community of makers, dreamers, entrepreneurs, and customers who became family.
Over the years, we’ve provided a home for over one hundred local small businesses, celebrated countless milestones, hosted events, supported one another through life’s highs and lows, and watched so many dreams come to life. The friendships formed within these walls are something I will treasure forever.
This community showed up. You shopped local. You encouraged local makers. You shared our posts, attended our events, brought your friends, and believed in what we were building. Because of you, Hometown Cottage became so much more than a store.
To every vendor who trusted us with your creations, every customer who walked through our doors, every employee who became family, and every person who offered support along the way… thank you. You helped create something truly special.
As I step away from ownership, I am excited to share that Hometown Cottage has been transferred to Phyllis Runyon, who shares a love for community, small business, and the vision that has made this store so special. I know the boutique is in caring hands, and I look forward to seeing it continue to grow and flourish.
I am also thrilled to share that Angela will remain with Hometown Cottage as Boutique Manager. Many of you already know and love Angela, and her dedication, passion, and commitment to both our vendors and customers have been an important part of our success. Her familiar face will continue to welcome you through the doors and help carry on the heart of Hometown Cottage.
While this chapter is coming to a close for me & my family, my heart is full knowing that the relationships, memories, and impact we’ve made together will continue long after my name is no longer on the door.
Hometown Cottage will always hold a piece of my heart. It has been one of the greatest blessings and privileges of my life. What began as a small dream nearly 10 years ago became something far greater than I could have ever imagined, and that is because of all of you.
Thank you for allowing my family to be a small part of your stories while you became such a huge part of mine.
With love, gratitude, and a heart full of memories,
Melody
