Leslie Has It MADE

Leslie Peterson's store, Made, is located in the Town Square of Glade Spring, Va.

If you haven’t been to the Town Square in Glade Spring, Va., lately you’re missing out on an exciting revival of a quintessential downtown.  The store is owned by Leslie Peterson (’89) and her family, MADE, is right in the heart of the excitement.

Everything in the store is handmade or designed by regional artists, hence the name, and the variety of items is remarkable. Purses and earrings rest alongside Christmas ornaments made from nature’s bounty. If you’re interested in something for your wall there are paintings aplenty, or if you’d like to cozy up in a warm stylish scarf you can take your pick from alpaca, sheep’s wool, or bamboo (really).

This is a family project for Leslie; her sister, Tracey Peterson Stanley, and mother, Nancy Inazu, are also co-owners in the business and they divide up responsibilities according to strengths. All three are also masterful crafters, and you’ll find felted soap, handmade buttons, and nature-inspired creations made by the proprietors. Leslie’s daughter, Claire, is also integral to the business bringing in much-needed marketing ideas that would appeal to a younger set (Claire is 12).

Leslie says they got the idea because they so enjoy making things, and they knew many others who seemed to need an outlet for their creations.  Right now they’ve got items from over 30 artists, with more coming in daily.  They’re also partnering with the E&H art department and have paintings and photography and pottery on the way from student artists.

They opened the store only a couple weeks prior to Christmas, and are enjoying holiday shoppers.  They say they’re still working out the kinks, but you wouldn’t know it to see the store or to see the shop keepers in action. “We’ve had people come into the store and tell us this is the kind of shop they might see in a big city.”  The old store’s high ceilings and oversized window give them the space and light for the creative collection to be appreciated.

You can find MADE on the Glade Spring town square. During the holidays they’re open from 10 am – 6 pm weekdays, and 10 am – 5 pm on Saturday.  Give them a call at 276-429-1094, find them on Facebook (Made ~ the shop), or drop by the store to pick up a gift that is MADE for giving.