Paoli Small Business Spotlight: Once Upon a Time Creation

PAOLI, PA -- There’s a story lurking behind the glass pane of every shop, and there’s oftentimes an innovative individual whose entrepreneurial spirit is helping to shape the town.

Our small business series shines a light on local business owners in the community.

Business: Once Upon a Time Creation

Owner: Jen Anderson

Website: https://www.onceuponatimecreation.com

Address: Chetwynd Rd. Paoli, PA

What business are you in?

“Here at Once Upon a Time Creation we transform the treasured clothing you save into beautiful, functional keepsakes and gifts. Our team can create memory blankets, pillows, loveys, bears, ornaments, totes, and more from your t-shirts, baby clothes, wedding dress, and clothing from a lost loved one.”

How did you come up with the name?

“Everything we create has a story behind it and every great story starts with “Once Upon a Time…”. Our hope is that with the help of the creations you have made, your family’s stories are shared and passed down to future generations.”

Why start a business in this town?

“I truly believe that small, local businesses add personality and value to every town. Most of the profits made from my business go right back into the community because we are raising our family here. When a client purchases a Once Upon a Time Creation, I can then support other local businesses such as restaurants, guitar lessons, and activities, just to name a few.”

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Since our studio is by appointment and we don’t have a storefront it can be difficult to let people know we are here. We are fortunate to have amazing clients and friends who help us spread the word, but we want everyone to know that we are here to provide a customized service based around their needs.
What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

We feel very privileged to be able to help so many people remember their lost loved ones in a special way. When someone loses a family member, cleaning out their closet can be a very difficult process. If they know that gifts and keepsakes can be created from those precious clothes, it can help ease the pain and give them something tangible to hold on to.

How does your business give back to the community?

“We offer several ways to help schools, teams, and charitable organizations with their fundraising efforts. By donating gift certificates, working with committees to create unique gifts to be auctioned off at events, and donating a percentage of sales back to an organization for referrals, we hope to partner with those around us to create a community we are all proud of.”

Do you have a business, or know of one, that deserves the spotlight? Email justin.heinze@patch.com.