The Trinity Valley Chamber of Commerce hosted a ribbon cutting on Friday, Sept. 12, to celebrate the opening of Heritage Market in Liberty. Chamber members joined owners Craig and Katie Russell of Hardin for the event.
Heritage Market offers a mix of antique and vintage furniture, home décor, and locally made goods. Inside, shoppers will find everything from dining sets and hutches to seasonal decorations and gift items. Currently, a vintage school desk filled with old readers and songbooks adds a nostalgic touch to the front display.
Katie Russell has been in this type of business since 2011, when she and her husband operated Shades of Shabby in Waco, near Baylor University.
“When I started, I had things in the back of my truck. I just had a load of furniture and sold to a business there,” she recalled. “After several loads, I was like, you know what, I think I’ll just start doing this.”
For seven years, the couple sold items from a parking lot in Waco before relocating to Liberty. Katie said she has a knack for treasure hunting and keeps a “wish book” of items her customers hope she will find.
“It might not be the things that I would normally look for, but I am looking for them,” she explained.
Her love for old things goes back to childhood trips to yard sales with her grandmother.
“She would give me a quarter to spend and I would just shop and shop that garage sale stuff,” Katie said with a laugh. “So I have always loved old things. I’ve always been an old soul, so it was just so natural for me.”
Heritage Market is located at 2818 N. Main Street in Liberty, on the same property as two women’s clothing boutiques. Several times a year, the business also hosts a farmer’s market with local vendors. The next one will be held Saturday, Sept. 13.
“It’s a big one,” Katie said. “We are packed with vendors for this one, so it will be fun. There will be artisans, makers, bakers, people who make, grow and sell their items.”
Heritage Market is open Wednesday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., Thursday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. To learn more, visit http://www.heritagemarketusa.com.