The Farm Company celebrates 10 years of business on Main Str. . .
By NOAH WORTHAM | Managing EditorCOLUMBIANA– The Farm Company recently celebrated 10 years of business on Main Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Farm Company was joined by community members, friends,. . .
Managing EditorCOLUMBIANA– The Farm Company recently celebrated 10 years of business on Main Street with a ribbon-cutting ceremony. The Farm Company was joined by community members, friends, Columbiana Main Street and The Shelby County Chamber for a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Thursday, June 11. “I’m so thankful for each and every one of y’all,” owner Cathy Hitt said. “Each one of you is part of my story here, and it’s been a great journey. I’ve loved every minute of it. ”The Farm Company opened its doors in May 2016 at 104 S. Main Street and was initially created by Robin Robinson and Shannon Hobbs, who sought to create a distinct boutique in the Shoppes of Columbiana. Then, after several months of operation, the business moved down Main Street to its current location on Nov. 16, 2016. Shortly after The Farm Company first opened, Hitt discovered the boutique and quickly became a consistent customer. After years of getting to know the owners, the business was sold to Hitt in May 2019, and she has operated it ever since. At the ribbon-cutting ceremony, Hitt recalled one of her favorite stories from her time working at the store, which involved the very first day Tonya Willingham and the golden retriever-lab mix Fitz walked in. “Tonya comes in and wants to know how much I would charge to embroider Fitz’s vest, and I’m like, 'I really can’t charge you for that,'” Hitt said. “But what that opened up was a door to working with Tonya and with the (facility dog) H. E. R. O. Program for the state of Alabama. ”Even after his recent retirement, Fitz was present for the ribbon-cutting, along with Willingham and the new facility dog, Gallant. During the ceremony, Columbiana Main Street Director Dee Starkey thanked those who were present for their attendance and shared her appreciation for The Farm Company’s presence and the historic milestone. “It is great to have businesses that have been well-established that are here for multiple (years),” Starkey said. “Main Street is celebrating 10 years as well here soon, and Cathy is just a huge part of that and her shop is too. She is here for the community, for all of the people. There’s not a time that goes by that I don’t see her generous heart giving to those in the community, to families, to children, to other nonprofits, including Main Street and other businesses here to support them and help them grow. ”