When Mary Harrington and her husband, Doug, were looking for something fun to dive into that would engage with the community and also make good business sense, Mary’s love of home design and décor took center stage. The Turtle’s Shell opened last August in Sherrills Ford and has become – just as Mary hoped – the absolute “go to” spot for locals to gather and, of course, shop!
“We’ve been blessed by the reception of folks visiting us around Lake Norman and feel confident that by getting to know our customers and listening to their ideas, we can make The Turtle’s Shell a fun place where people stay awhile, but also find that ‘special something,’ no matter what the occasion!” Mary shares, adding they didn’t create The Turtle’s Shell to necessarily compete with other boutiques, but moreso, to fill a gap in the Sherrills Ford area. “We’ll continue to grow and adapt to provide the unique inventory folks in the area need and want.”
The boutique was a logical step, as Mary says friends have recognized her love for unique gifts and design through the years and often asked for her help in decorating which partly inspired the business.
“I have always been the one who was somewhat obsessed about having a nice home with unique and fun items around,” she shares. “It’s not necessarily a great painting or a piece of antique furniture that completes a room. Sometimes it’s that little glass bird on the side table or that cool, unique picture frame – it’s the little things.”
The creative process for Mary and Doug began with art, specifically acrylic pouring on home items – canvases, wine glasses, charcuterie boards and ornaments, and they became part of the Denver Farmers Market on Saturdays. Since the family lives “between” Sherrills Ford and Denver, they recognized a niche in Sherrills Ford for a smart, fun home and gift shop. Always with an eye on community, they designed a business plan that also includes women’s apparel and an infant and toddler section, so gift options are plentiful.
“My grandmother owned a children’s boutique in Winston-Salem in the late 70s and early 80s, and two of my aunts owned a home décor store in Reynolda Village,” shares Mary. “No wonder this is a true family affair!”
Another tradition carried on from their time showing at the Farmers Market, The Turtle’s Shell also loves giving local artists a place to show their creations.
“At least four of our former Farmers Market friends have items in our store – all handmade, including EB Designs in Wood (hand-crafted cutting boards), EDONN Designs (handmade candles, wax melts, lotions and sprays), Victoria Soaps, Simply American Dog Treat Company, Angie’s Door Décor (wreaths) and Tom Ogburn Sculptures,” Mary shares.
With endless shopping options surrounding the Lake Norman area, what sets The Turtle’s Shell apart? Here’s Mary’s view!
“We live right here with our customers! This is a very diverse area, and we want to provide affordable products for everyone but also showcase ‘one-of-a-kind’ items for folks looking for something out of the ordinary. We have fun, and we want the store to be a popular place to ‘hang-out’ and browse through a well stocked inventory. It’s fun to see a customer looking and looking…and looking, and then you realize they’re trying to find that ‘one thing’ for someone special. Having conversations with customers, learning about their friends and helping them find gifts they feel will give them a smile or lift their spirits…that’s the fun part!”
The Turtle’s Shell carries popular MUDPIE items, including women’s and children’s apparel, along with UMGEE. Mary also spends time looking for unknown brands that might be new to customers.
“I really look at the quality and uniqueness of things to add to the store,” she says. “We want it to be fresh, almost weekly, for folks coming back to shop regularly.”
Daughters Lindsay and Madison, both 20-somethings, love to add their opinions on what’s trending and what fashion lines would sell well. Lindsay also helps Mary and Doug with marketing – carrying on that family connection.
Any day you spend chatting and shopping at The Turtle’s Shell will be time well spent! Visit the shop at 3861 Terrell Park Drive, Suite 400, in Sherrills Ford, NC, 828.620.7405 and online at theturtlesshell.com. Follow @theturtles_shell on Instagram and Facebook for store updates and fun new products!
