For the past couple of years, Heather Ruth Hodge has been putting things together to bring her to this place – both literally and figuratively.
Hodge’s family calls her “Roo,” and that’s half the name of her new boutique that has opened on Garnett Street. The first half of the boutique’s name is an homage to her grandmother, Nell, whose own business was situated in downtown Henderson near where Nella Roo’s is today.
Hodge was surrounded by family, friends and plenty of local well-wishers at the ribbon-cutting Thursday morning. The site of the former Carolina Bed Center at 319 S. Garnett St. now sports a different look, and it’s a welcome look for local officials who celebrate downtown revitalization efforts that bring in new businesses like Hodge’s.
In her remarks during the ceremony, Hodge recalled a couple of years ago when she “felt the spirit of the Lord” calling her back to her hometown. “I’m so excited to see where it can go and what it can become,” she said of Henderson and the whole downtown area.
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Her grandmother, Nell Wiggins, owned Nell’s Boutique just a couple of doors down from Nella Roo’s in the late 1970’s and early ‘80s. Hodge said she is so happy when customers come in and tell her how much they loved shopping at Nell’s. “She was a huge inspiration for me,” Hodge said.
Henderson Mayor Eddie Ellington said he remembered going to Nell’s with his mom when he was a child and getting into a little bit of trouble for his behavior. But, he said, Nell told his mom it was ok, he was just having a little fun.
Leo Kelly, Chairman of the Vance County Board of Commissioners, said he remembers Wiggins as an artist. He said he planned to bring one of her pieces – a painting on slate – for Hodge to hang at her new store.
“I think this gives new life to downtown,” Kelly said, adding that Nella Roo’s will serve to draw other businesses to Garnett Street storefronts.
“You’re our catalyst, our leader,” said Tracy Madigan with the Downtown Development Commission. New businesses serve to increase pride in the downtown area, and Madigan said people who own buildings downtown are wanting to fix them up to further improve the area.
Chamber Board Chair Ronald Bennett said things are looking up for Henderson. “Henderson’s coming back,” Bennett said. “Thank YOU for choosing to come back.”
Visit https://www.nellaroos.com/ to learn more.
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