Finding Bennettsville’s riches inside Grandma’s Treasures

BENNETTSVILLE — Behind windowpanes exploding in hand painted floral delight lies the door of Grandma’s Treasures, a new and exciting store overflowing with 65 talented and local individual vendors. Just like it represents, Grandma’s Treasures is located in the heart of the City on the Move at 122 South Marlboro Street, right next door to the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce. The grand opening for the new store and Creation Station, a creative arts business located inside Grandma’s Treasures, was April 13 and the residents of Bennettsville came out in droves to show their support.

Owner Sarah Hyers says the idea is for Grandma’s Treasures to offer good products and gently used items at a fair price that can be handed down to the next generations — just like a treasure you might find in grandma’s attic.

Hyers says the vendors inside her shop make up five generations — a true collection of Bennettsville’s amazing local crafters, artists, bakers and sellers of specialty items.

“Everybody can find something here. I believe the store will draw in locals, and not just reach treasure hunters, but we will also have events and tea times going on with our event space,” Hyers shared, adding when it comes to tea there is high tea, afternoon tea, royal tea [usually a sparkling beverage], and nursery tea for children 14 and under.

“We will be holding upcoming specialty tea events like Mommy and Me Tea, Daddy and Me Tea, Mother’s Day Tea, with more to be announced,” Hyers said, also sharing Grandma’s Treasures grand opening was a result of a collaboration of culinary efforts. “I used a variety of local caterers for this event,” said Hyers, who, when it comes to business promotion, believes in sharing the love.

One of 65 vendors inside the sprawling store, Sallie Ledbetter, beams with pride as she shares her business sales quality clothes and shoes at a fair price.

“As I move along, I am looking to branch out to adding formal, prom, and special event wear. Having a space inside Grandma’s is freedom — I feel like a real business owner. Having this allows me to do what I love; buying and selling,” Ledbetter explained.

Right near Ms. Ledbetter, Emily Freeman, owner of Emily’s Nook has set her place.

“I make floral door wreaths, handmade dolls, I specialize in Raggedy Anne, bunnies, aprons, window treatments… just all kinds of things,” Freeman said.

Another vendor across the way is Wanda Bowen, owner and operator of Next to New, a business offering name brand clothing at bargain prices.

“I love buying clothes and helping people find the perfect dress for them. I love putting a smile on someone’s face,” Bowen said, adding that making people feel beautiful is her passion.

Another passion of Bowen’s is bringing one-of-a-kind fashion to Bennettsville.

“I travel all over — Charleston, Beaufort — to find name brand clothing so the people of Bennettsville can have unique items. I hand wash and hand dry each piece and press whenever possible,” she shared.

In addition to clothing, Bowen offers many other decorative items for the home and luxury personal care items.

Susan Rivers, of Susie’s Not Too Perfect, is a true crafter at heart.

Rivers paints, makes centerpieces, and other creative items. Her favorite holiday, Rivers says she is already looking ahead to one-of-a-kind Christmas decorations and gifts. She has been collecting pine cones for various craft ideas over the last two to three years and is excited about several new décor ideas she has for the home — like center pieces and stunning natural door wreaths.

Owner of Magnolia on Main Café Hope Crane came out to show her support for a fellow Bennettsville business.

“When I walked in here, I honestly forgot that I was in Bennettsville! It really feels like you are in Tennessee or Georgia—not little old Bennettsville. I was born and raised here and since COVID business really just hasn’t returned to where it was and that is why seeing new businesses like Grandma’s Treasures opening up is such a treat,” Crane said, adding how impressed she was with Hyers organization, attention to detail, and the overall neatness of the place.

“I think Grandma’s Treasures is going to be the economic foundation of Bennettsville — the economic catalyst that continues to move us towards greatness. We really need the whole community to keep coming out and supporting them,” Crane encouraged.

Another customer, Shanika Brown, said she could not be more impressed with the wealth of talent possessed by local artist Courtney Medlin of Medlin Customs and Creation Station.

“Everything Courtney creates is from the heart and she can do absolutely anything. She is completely fearless—even if she had never done it she is going to try it — and it will always come out perfect and you will be 100% satisfied with the end result, I can promise you,” Brown said, pulling out her phone and showing off an elegant, detail laden quill pen personalized with crystals in recognition of Brown’s passion of promoting healing through the power and energy of crystals and other rare gems, crafted by Medlin.

“Whatever you envision she can make happen,” Brown added, also saying, “I am really excited about all the different treasures you can find at Grandma’s Treasures. Everything is so neat, clean, and well organized in here,” Brown said.

Creation Station

An exciting and unique attraction at Grandma’s Treasures is a result of local artist Courtney Medlin’s involvement, Creation Station.

“I got the idea when I saw Courtney working with the crew at Marlboro County Disabilities and Special Needs and so I reached out to her … we both brought different ideas to the table. Courtney has just quickly become my righthand woman—she takes initiative, is great with kids — working with her is just a no-brainer,” Hyers says.

For Courtney Medlin, the advent of Creation Station is a dream come true.

“Creation Station came together in a way that felt truly serendipitous,” Medlin remembers. “Every day, something reaffirms that I’m exactly where I’m supposed to be working alongside Sarah to build something meaningful, impactful, and lasting. Many people know that I had an adverse childhood, but I believe those experiences cultivated in me something our community needs (vision and experience),” Medlin said.

Promoting positivity with a side of humbleness, Medlin believes all people can be reached on a creative level.

“I say that with humility, I believe I was born to be a bridge for people whether that means connecting diverse groups within our community or providing a therapeutic and creative outlet for those who need one. My vision for Creation Station is growth both for the business Grandma’s Treasures, LLC, Creation Station and for Bennettsville itself. I believe a healthy community is a happy community, and creativity has the power to heal, empower, and unite people. My hope is that Creation Station becomes more than just a local art space; I want it to be a catalyst for confidence, expression, and connection throughout our BEEautiful city and eventually beyond the walls of creation station,” Medlin shared.

She said she feels Creation Station can be a creative, uplifting resource directly for the community and the root of something truly spectacular.

She continued, “Great things take time to grow, and I know the full impact of this project will develop over time but at its core, I simply want to bring something positive to Bennettsville. Positivity is contagious, and there can never be too much good in the world. God is my strength, and I continue to ask Him to order my steps. Through Him, I have confidence that what we are building will be long-lasting, transformative, and part of a meaningful legacy.”

Medlin also shared her gratitude at meeting Sarah and Bill Hyers.

“[They] didn’t hesitate to give me the opportunity to do this. I don’t know what they saw when they saw me, whatever it was it must have been good because they truly have blessed my family and I,” Medlin praised.

Speaking on behalf of the Chamber, Chairman of the Marlboro Chamber of Commerce board of Directors Gage Speight was excited to see Grandma’s Treasures opening its doors in Bennettsville.

“I am excited to welcome Grandma’s Treasures and Creation Station to Marlboro Street. It is great to see a new business open right next door to the chamber office and be part of the growth in our downtown,” Speight shared, adding, “Grandma’s Treasures gives thrifters and collectors a place to share and sell their antiques and unique finds while Creation Station adds a fun, creative space for the community to enjoy. Their recent Spring Break Art Camp was a big success for the community, and we are excited to see them build on that with plans for another art camp this summer. It is a unique addition that brings something new and inviting to Marlboro. We are proud to support local businesses like this, and we encourage everyone to stop by, check it out, and give them a warm welcome.”

Main Street Bennettsville’s Brittany Jones also came out to show her support for all the local businesses housed inside Grandma’s Treasures.

“I am extremely grateful and excited about all our new local vendors and retail spaces in our downtown,” Jones said.

Bennettsville Councilwoman Wanda Weaver also attended Grandma’s Treasures grand opening event Monday afternoon.

She said, “I am so excited to have Grandma’s Treasures downtown. Sara, Bill and Courtney have put their hearts and souls into their business and have so many new ideas for our community. If you haven’t been by Grandma’s Treasures, make sure you do…there is something new every day! Congratulations to all, including the vendors.”

Mayor Tyron Abraham said he is always excited to see new growth in the community.

“As Mayor, I would like to thank Grandma’s Treasures for their contribution to our city, they are not just a new business, but a sign of growth and progress for our downtown. I sincerely thank the owners and staff for their great vision and commitment to our city,” Abraham said.

With safety [and sweets!] always on his mind, Sheriff Larry McNeil said he felt honored to attend the grand opening event and is eager to find the baker of the delicious cookie he snagged while he was there.

“I think Grandma’s Treasures provides a unique opportunity for people to enjoy and experience some of the creative, raw talent we are blessed with here in Bennettsville they might not otherwise know about without Grandma’s Treasures. If there is any downside to the place, it’s how much stuff they have to look at and choose from — you could get lost for hours. I know I am going back to see the rest and find out who made that incredible cookie,” Sheriff McNeil said.

Grandma’s Treasures is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and Saturday 10 a.m. until 4 p.m., and Sunday 1 p.m. to 4 p.m.

Come find your treasure today!