PITTSBORO, N.C.—While some mom and pop businesses in Pittsboro struggle during an uncertain economy, others like the Blue Sky Equestrian and Unity Book Store are thriving.

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Blue Sky Equestrian located in the heart of downtown Pittsboro has been around for two years. The store caters to horse owners and enthusiast so everything inside the store either has a picture of a horse on it or is a type of fancy clothing you would find worn by people who show horses. 

 

The shop is also a networking spot for horse owners to seek information on buying and selling horses. One can also find information on rescuing and showcasing horses.

 

Store owner Michele Wilson said she owes much of the success of her store to a mentor named Ken Jackson. Wilson said Jackson steered her in the right direction about owning a business and maintaining a business. Jackson owns a high end jewelry store in Orange County. Wilson advises other people looking to go into business to have a plan A and Plan B to operate a successful business.

 

“Don’t quite your day job. You need that to lean on at times. The other thing is just good planning. A good business plan through talking with people you respect such as mentors. And do as much research as you possibly can,” Wilson said.

 

Just across the street from Wilson’s store is the Unity Books store owned by Janice Escott. Like Wilson, Escott is also catering to a special cliental. Unity Books is more than just a book store. It’s also a place where people go for yoga, spiritual healing and workshops on self health issues.

 

“We are offering something to the community that is universal that people are looking for. So many times, people have come through the doors and said we’ve been looking for you. We’re glad you’re here-not just books but so many other things that people use in their lives,” Escott said.

 

Despite a slumping economy, both businesses seem to thrive because they attract not only local cliental with disposal means, but also a cliental that chooses to spend money based on wants and not necessarily needs.

 

Also, both women do not use television or radio ads to attract customers. Instead, they believe that strong customer service will generate talk about their stores through word of mouth.

 

“Our most powerful advertising has come from word of mouth, from working with the larger training barns. We also cultivate an e-mail distribution list which has really helped us,” Wilson said.