Bedford, Pa. (WJAC) — Right along Route 220 in Bedford County, there’s an old barn that turned into an antique shop in 2018.
It started as a passion project for Tammy Welsh, a retired Bedford School District secretary, after she worked there for 31 years.
"I knew I wasn't someone that could just stay home and not keep myself active and busy,” Tammy said. “It kind of pulled all together with, ‘Why don't I open a little antique shop?’”
So, she did.
Finley Bee is open the second weekend of each month from April to December, with more dates added during the fall and holiday seasons.
"They have a lot of antique furniture, which is neat to see,” said customer Heidi Young. “There's some jewelry, really good soapsthey have good food vendors."
Thirty vendors have made the shop their monthly tradition, selling up-cycled furniture, seasonal decor, and other homemade items.
She says her 8-year-old granddaughter, Finley Bankes, was the inspiration behind the name “Finley Bee.”
"When people would ask her, ‘Hi what's your name?’ She'd say, I'm Finley Bee. So, I named my shop Finley Bee,” Tammy said.
Tammy also created a garden named after her second-born granddaughter, 6-year-old Eden Bankes, called “Eden’s Garden,” which she says also symbolizes the Garden of Eden.
Her third grandchild Tate Roy was born last month, so she recently added Tate’s Bake Shop to the store.
“All of my grandbabies have a spot,” she said.
With the COVID-19 pandemic affecting businesses, Tammy says masks are optional in her shop.
She encourages customers to pay $5 for early shopping a half hour before opening to avoid peak times, adding gift card giveaways and baked goods as an incentive.
"It’s been a nice way to say thank you for choosing shopping early, and helping us incorporate the social distancing, and having the lesser crowd,” Tammy says.
For more information and updates, follow Finley Bee on Facebook and Instagram.
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