Downtown business gets a mink over

ASHEBORO — Minkology is now the official name of the business formerly called Vintage Cottage. 

The new owner, Wendi Mink, had a ribbon cutting and grand opening on July 23. The occasion included  ice cream.from Homeland Creamery of Julian. Scooped cones are now available at an entry at 113 North St. on Thursday, Friday and Saturday.

Mink bought the shop at 150 Sunset Ave. in February 2021 from Bert Garris. The purchase came about after Mink and her husband decided to move back to North Carolina from the Washington, DC, area, northern Virginia, where she worked in human resources.

As a side occupation, Mink designed jewelry. So when they moved to Kernersville, she worked with Elements Gallery in Greensboro and became president of the Davie County Arts Guild.

Meanwhile, Mink signed on as a vendor with Vintage Cottage. When Garris decided to retire, Mink said, “We had the right conversation at the right time.”

For the past 18 months, Mink said that she’s “had the intention to be true to what Bert built, while expanding on that.” That includes maintaining the relationship with Annie Sloan Chalk Paint, a mineral-based paint developed by Sloan under her own trademark. It’s designed to be adhesive to a multitude of surfaces and to dry quickly.

Customers can bring in furniture to be painted, buy their own paint for do-it-yourself, or even have Minkology come to their home to paint cabinets or furniture.

Annie Sloan paint classes are held for those who want to learn the craft. Mink also plans to have workshops on other arts and crafts.

Minkology, she said, is not only a play on her name but expresses a way of life. “It incorporates everything we do in the store,” she said, such as art, home restoration, even entertaining, “anything we can share to improve home life. I enjoy imparting knowledge and helping people be creative.”

Minkology isn’t just for adults and artists. Mink has opened a children’s section with games, books, puzzles, sidewalk chalk, teething rings, sippy cups and other items for kids.

Vendors display their wares and Mink replenishes shelves with products she finds at other locations. You’ll see all kinds of art, furniture, clothing, candles, pottery, canned foods, pet items, soaps, even local honey.

“I try to have as many North Carolina products as possible,” Mink said. “I work out from Asheboro to find small businesses, as many small local businesses as possible.”

That’s one way she expresses her thanks for the reception she’s found in Asheboro.

Mink grew up in Fayetteville but moved to Virginia after she was married. After moving back to North Carolina, she was concerned about being accepted by a small town.

“I’m grateful to be welcomed by the community,” Mink said. “I’m surprised and pleased with the reception.” She said she is happy that the “long-time customs of Vintage Cottage are continuing with us.”

Minkology hours are 11 a.m.-5 p.m. on Sunday and Monday and 10 a.m.-6 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday. Mink plans to expand the hours to 9 p.m. for Tuesday through Saturday.