A cozy, country store has sprouted up on the Iola town square. Wooden creations from Country Traditions have filled the storefront at 104 S. Washington Ave.
Chad Turner is owner of the wooden handcraft store.
When customers walk into Turner’s new store they are greeted with a toasty fire place, a free warm beverage and a smile.
The idea for the business all started on a rainy spring break in 2012. Turner was looking for something to do and began working in his shop. He posted some of his woodwork projects on Facebook and by the end of the week he had more than 60 orders.
“We’ve always advertised items per order,” Turner said. “We didn’t have items stockpiled somewhere.”
He makes everything with wood, from signs to lawn furniture.
His growing hobby became popular in the Facebook universe. Someone suggested he turn his hobby into a storefront business. Turner jokingly said he would if someone would back him financially. A silent partner turned that joke into a serious notion and helped make the storefront a reality.
Turner flips through a folder of his handmade projects. He points out items that were custom made and others that are popular.
“There aren’t too many places around here with a couch and a fireplace where you can sit down and talk about what you want done,” Turner said.
The items in the store all have a special touch. All are hand cut and hand painted. No computers are used. Turner said no two pieces are alike. His wife, Angie, helps with the painting.
Turner said he likes to do giveaways in the store. For every 50 ‘Likes’ on the Facebook page he does a drawing. On Monday the page hit 800 likes; Emily Clark of Iola was the winner.
During the week Turner is in the store but on the weekends he works in Chanute. The store is open Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Sunday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. The store will open at 7 a.m. for Black Friday.
New store brings country to city
