FOR NEARLY three decades, Treasures has been a familiar part of the local community — a place where customers are known by name, conversations come easily, and shopping feels personal. For owner Laura Rowland, what began as a dream of opening a retail shop has grown into something far more meaningful.
Now celebrating 28 years in business, Treasures has become a destination for jewelry, clothing, home decor, and gifts.
Rowland attributes all of her success to her relationship with faith. “God has blessed me and continues to bless the shop and everyone who walks through its doors,” she said. “Over the years, we’ve learned that everyone has a story. It’s a privilege to be part of such a sweet community and to call our customers our friends.”
From the beginning, Rowland knew she wanted to create a welcoming environment characterized by comfort and value. Today, many customers stop by not only to browse but to share updates about their families, celebrate milestones, or simply enjoy a friendly conversation.
“It’s more than a retail store,” she explained. “We celebrate with people, we cry with them, we laugh with them, and we pray with them. I want everyone who comes in to know they’re cared for.”
That personal connection is also reflected in the way Treasures selects its inventory. Each season brings new styles and trends, but Rowland said successful buying requires more than following what’s popular.
“You have to trust your intuition,” she said. “Trends come and go, but you’re buying for real people. Everyone has their own personality and style.”
Because the team has built strong relationships with customers over the years, they often find themselves thinking of specific individuals when new items arrive. Helping someone find the right piece, something that makes them feel confident and like themselves, is one of the most rewarding parts of the job.
“We love helping people find something that makes them feel good,” she shared.
Rowland credits her team as an important part of the store’s success. The women who work alongside her bring their own perspective and insight, helping ensure that the store offers a variety of styles and options for the community. Rowland also expresses deep gratitude for her family, noting how thankful she is for their constant love and encouragement along the way.
While Treasures focuses on creating a meaningful in-store experience, Rowland also recognizes the challenges small businesses face in a world shaped by online shopping. Although digital convenience continues to grow, she believes local stores offer something that cannot be replicated on a screen.
“Shopping locally is about the experience,” she said. “You can walk in, see and touch the items, try things on, talk with someone, and leave feeling happy. That personal interaction matters.” Supporting local businesses also has a broader impact.
“Shopping local helps strengthen and grow our community,” Rowland explained. “It supports the people who have invested their time and heart into building something here.”
That sense of community support became especially meaningful during one of Rowland’s most difficult seasons. Several years ago, while undergoing cancer treatments, she experienced an outpouring of encouragement from customers and friends.
“People sent cards, brought meals, and stopped by to offer prayers and support,” she recalled. “It was incredibly humbling and reminded me how much this community truly cares.”
Moments like that reinforced what Rowland had already come to believe — the relationships formed through the store go far beyond typical customer interactions.
“The customers really feel like family to me,” she said. “I’m grateful to be part of their lives, and it means so much that they’ve been part of mine.”
In addition to serving customers, Treasures also looks for ways to give back, regularly supporting local charities and community efforts. For Rowland, investing in the community has always been a natural extension of the store’s purpose.
After 28 years, that purpose remains the same — to serve people well, create a welcoming atmosphere, and build lasting connections.
“It’s a privilege to be part of this community,” she said. “My hope is that Treasures will always be a place where people feel encouraged, welcomed, and cared for.”
At a time when retail often feels fast and impersonal, Treasures stands as a reminder that small businesses still play an important role — not just in the local economy, but in the everyday life of a community.
Rowland’s greatest measure of success isn’t found in sales or growth — it’s found in the friendships formed, the conversations shared, and the opportunity, day after day, to create a space where people feel seen, supported, and at home. GN
