Landrum Wanderings By Linda List

I’ve talked with women business owners the last few months and I have found some common threads. Problem solving is key; having a vision is a must; faith in oneself and, often, in God is another. And frequently, having a partner to share the responsibilities is the final piece to bring the vision to fruition.

During my recent visit with Pamela Elder and Shawn Armstrong I found all of the above have come together in their antique business, Another Time, Another Place.  They call themselves the “Thelma and Louise” of antiquing as their excursions into the countryside have taken them on some interesting rides down country, gravel roads. They keep a “Thelma And Louise” scrapbook to chronicle their adventures.

Pamela was an ophthalmic tech for 15 years and Shawn has been a nurse for 25 years, now involved in pharmaceutical research. Their mutual love of antiques brought them together. They were kindred spirits with lifelong dreams of opening an antique shop. When I arrived at the shop, I was invited to sink down in an overstuffed chair for an afternoon chat.

But first I was introduced to Leonard the lizard. Leonard is a little lizard who found his way into the shop one cold afternoon. Pamela tried repeatedly to show him the door but he always made his way back in. Pamela has a very soft heart when it comes to animals. She explains, “I decided to take him in and provided a little container for him with food and water. I noticed a bit of his tail missing.  I think a customer stepped on it and I wanted him to be safe.” He was happily ensconced in his new home during my visit. Their mascot and logo is a Yorkie named Newman who is a delight to their customers. Pamela smiles, “Some people even call to be sure he’s here before they come down the mountain.”

Pamela and Shawn know each other’s strengths and divide responsibilities to take advantage of these. Pamela is the manager, keeping things running smoothly.  Shawn is the creative partner, keeping the displays attractive and inviting. Both of their talents come to light when you enter the shop. It’s orderly and easy to see their interesting finds.

“Communication is key, as is a sense of humor. We have our biggest laughs over things that go wrong. We don’t think of challenges as a challenge; they’re just problems to be solved,” they agree. “Our goal is to have something for everyone, to offer different price points and provide unusual pieces.”

Sometimes the customers provide another aspect to the business. Pamela likes to listen and often feels the opportunity to make a difference in someone’s life. “This is when I know that God has placed me here, not just for the business but to help out when I can. One young man stopped in and I could tell he was troubled. His family had abandoned him and he had little education. I talked to him about returning to school. He was puzzled that someone would care and take the time to encourage him. I often wonder what’s happened to him. But that’s just my nature.”

Some ornaments that look like glass icicles caught my eye and I purchased one for my Christmas tree. I enjoyed my step back in time and my visit with this adventuresome duo.  Check their website for more information, Anothertimeanotherplacesc.com.