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By Jeanna Baxter White

Word Master Media Group for Davie Chamber

What began as a home-based business has expanded into a new accessory shop in downtown Mocksville.

Ma and Me Accessories at 147 Depot St. celebrated its grand opening on July 17 with a combination live and Facebook Live ribbon-cutting ceremony hosted by the Davie County Chamber of Commerce.

The shop specializes in custom t-shirts, headbands, tutus, custom drinking glasses, decals, and more.

“One of the things we love at the chamber of commerce is having new businesses come in because they are a draw for other new businesses and people coming to the area,” said board chair, Chuck Taylor, as he welcomed owner Haley Pulliam. “And you have done it right by starting as an online shop and moving to brick and mortar while so many big companies are moving in the other direction. We love to see this type of enthusiasm and invite everyone to come to check out your shop and see what you are doing.”

Mocksville Mayor Will Marklin added: “Depot Street is an area that we are desperately trying to develop in downtown Mocksville. The more businesses we can get here the more they can support each other. We look forward to doing business here. Your online presence is good but I love your brick and mortar store.”

Pulliam welcomed attendees.

“First I would like to thank God for everything because without him nothing would be possible,” she said. “Secondly, I would like to thank my parents, Shannon and Robin Foster Pulliam, for always being there and being supportive. I would like to thank my daughter, Skylar, who has inspired me more than anyone knows including herself.

“Growing up, I always knew I wanted my own business but I never knew what I wanted to do. When I found out I was having a girl I knew exactly what I wanted my business to be. I wanted to have a business where you could get mother and daughter matching outfits. I shared my business plan with my parents and it took me less than a year to get it off the ground and running.

“The name of the business was a struggle because every name I came up with was taken. My dad then told me if the plan fails, change the plan not the goal. I was thinking long and hard and every time I would think about a name my daughter would say ‘Ma’ and tap my leg. One day I looked at my daughter when she said that and a light bulb popped up, Ma (meaning myself) and Me (meaning my daughter). My business started with headbands because I absolutely love headbands. I have six types and 8-10 colors of each, including turbans. Once I got the headbands off the ground, I started moving into tutus because who doesn’t love tutus? My next idea was custom shirts for a family because it can be very hard going to 3-4 stores trying to find one shirt for everyone to look alike. With that idea, I said why not personalize the headbands to match the shirts?  At first, I started with an online store and social media and it was doing good, but then business started picking up and my little office room at my house became too small for the equipment I needed.  So I sat down with my parents and we talked about my business plan again and how to expand. This is when the goal kicked in. We are in the middle of purchasing a screen printing machine to increase productivity and variety.

“I am so excited to be working downtown. I’m excited to have the support and I’m looking forward to all the things that we as Davie County business owners can do together. I would like to thank everyone for coming out today and supporting another small business.”

Ma and Me Accessories is open Tuesday-Friday from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. and on Saturday from 11 a.m.-3 p.m. Visit http://maandmeaccessories.com to place an online order.

Pulliam can be reached at (346) 332-4071, (336) 936-9106,  or maaandmeaccessories@gmail.com.