By JESSA PEASE / Staff Writer

PELHAM— To celebrate its one year anniversary, the Greater Shelby Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting at Woody’s Unique Junque’ in Pelham Nov. 10.

The shop, located at 1007 Commerce Blvd., carries a collection of unique items you wouldn’t normally find at an antique shop, according to owner Gina Howell. She said they do a lot of research and digging to find items people will enjoy.

“We have very unique items (at) Woody’s Unique Junque, but don’t think of the word ‘junk’ when you see the word ‘Junque.’” Howell said. “Think of the word ‘unique,’ and don’t think of your little old lady’s antique store because that is not what it is.”

Howell’s son Michael, 19, owns the family business. His nickname is Woody, which gave the inspiration for the store’s name. The Howells owns everything in the shop, so nothing is sold on consignment.

“When you come in and make a purchase, you have made an investment in this family,” Howell said. “When you come through the door, you’ve already joined our family. In our hearts, you have already joined.”

If customers cannot find an item in the shop they are looking for, Howell said they will give you advice as to where to find it or tell you where they might have seen something similar.

Although the Howells are not in the business of furniture construction, Michael welds and Gina’s husband is in construction. They can often create custom pieces for people.

Howell said one lady came in asking for a small sink for her bathroom. Using a 1800s Japanese hibachi, the Howells created a custom copper sink for her.

“We want you to think outside of the box,” Howell said. “Don’t use something for what it was supposed to be used for. That’s what makes it different and unique. We like to think that we are the hidden treasure and once you find us, it’s like, ‘Wow, this is neat.’”

Howell said her favorite part about the business is the people she meets every day. She said she never knows who is going to walk through the door, but she knows to be a good listener with an open heart.

Woody’s has made it through its first year, and, although it was a hard, Howell said she’s excited for year two.

“It’s hard now. Everybody is struggling,” she said. “This is a family business and I try to carry some items in here trying to support other families too. We are excited, we’ve made it through that first year.”