Pittsboro is a small town with only 4,712 residents. The town is full of small businesses trying to help out the community in the best way possible. These local owners adjust their businesses to attract the most customers and help out in any way possible. Each business has its own goal that they try to achieve. They all want to make a big impact on the community and help out in any way they can.
French Connections, owned by Jaques Dufour, has a goal of bringing a taste of different countries to Pittsboro. Dufour imports goods from countries such as France, Senegal, South Africa and many more places. He is originally from West Africa and later moved to Normandy, France. When the textile mill he owned had to shut down, he and his wife chose to start a new life and set off to North Carolina where his wife is from.
“Bringing stuff from France and Africa was something totally new at the time,” Dufour said. “We threw a container together in France and threw a container together in Senegal and just started a business in antiques and African art.”
French Connections has been around since 2000. The place sold antiques for about eight years and had to find a new product when antiques went out of style. This was when they started to incorporate African art, fabrics and baskets. The business also prides itself on the meaningful contributions it makes to give back to the community as a thank-you for their support.
“We try our best to give probably $2000 to $3000 in donations of items,” Dufour said, “we constantly have people coming to ask us for donations for silent auctions or something like that.”
These small businesses hope to bring a sense of belonging and welcoming to the community. Tami Shwerin, owner of The Plant, does whatever she sees fit to help guests feel like they are wanted there. The Plant originated as a biodiesel fuel plant and opened in 2005, but was later converted into an entertainment space for vendors to come and set up. Schwerin feels there is no other place like it in North Carolina. Although she comes across hardships, she finds it extremely rewarding to watch families relax and be happy together.
“We’ve touched, at this point, thousands and thousands of people in a really good way here at The Plant. We have an abundant welcoming philosophy here, and I think we’re different than a lot of places,” Schwerin said.
Like The Plant, many businesses look to make a difference in the community and show residents that they are there for them in good times and in bad times. Blossom Florist Artistry always wants to bring positivity to people even in sad times. In 2002, Julie Williams opened this business because she realized there was a need for this service in town. She wanted to pick a name that was unique but still relevant to the business. Her team strives for quality over quantity.
“We believe in quality business and focusing on what we do, not anyone else. Focusing on the quality of the product and our integrity helps keep our customers happy and loyal,” Williams said.
Many of these businesses work together and collaborate on numerous events throughout town. Some of these events include festivals, weddings, birthdays, the First Sunday and many more. They all rely on one another in some way and give back to the community whenever possible. Local businesses add character and support their community while still making a living for their families.
