Like many visitors, Sarah Dodge and her husband came for the horses but fell in love with the community. Four years ago, after visiting friends in the Winter Colony, the dressage horse trainer and her farrier husband packed up their bags in Colorado and moved to Aiken.
When she went looking for Aiken-themed products at the request of friends and family, she couldn’t find them. Her entrepreneurial skills took over and in a few weeks, she will open True Aiken.
“I’ve always thought about opening a shop and I thought the Aiken-themed products would be a great idea. I considered a pop-up shop but decided a brick-and-mortar was the way to go,” Dodge explained.
Karen Daly, a realtor with Meybohm, found the perfect site for Dodge at 311 Hayne Avenue SW.
“Opening the shop gives me a chance to be creative and offer some unique designs. I’m working with a local artist, Eugenia Smirnova, to create a map which will highlight some local landmarks. We will utilize that on prints and etchings for coffee mugs and other items.”
The CSRA got a taste of what True Aiken will offer during the Steeplechase last month. Of course, equestrian items abound, but golf and other items with and without the Aiken branding, will be available.
“We’ve been moved by the warm welcome we’ve received and look forward to being a bigger part of the community. Aiken is now our forever home. We love it here.”
The target date for opening True Aiken is January 3. Stay tuned to their Facebook page for updates.
Editor’s Note:
Mitzi Oxford is a veteran broadcaster and features writer who also worked at the same television station in Columbus, Georgia as Augusta’s Brad Means! If you have a South Carolina story idea for Mitzi, please email her at mitzioxfordcreative@gmail.com.
