For nearly 20 years, Margie Anderson continues to offer a wide variety of handmade items from her store, Margie’s Emporium located within the Pea Ridge Flea Market off U.S. Highway 90.
“Emporium is an old world word,” Anderson said. “It means ‘a little bit of everything.’”
Anderson, a longtime Milton resident, said 90 percent of the objects available in her store are items she has made. Among the popular effects are dog leashes, custom made pet harnesses and dew rags.
“I’m well known in the area for making dew rags,” she said. “Nobody else around here makes them, I sell a lot of them online too.”
In addition to operating the Emporium in Pace, Margie has another store at the T & W Flea Market in Pensacola.
As an honorary member of the Santa Rosa County Creek Indian Tribe, Anderson also spends time making Native American regalia.
In addition to having her work featured in local pow-wows, Margie said one of her online orders was featured during a recent Rose Bowl college football game.
“I have sold a lot of Native American shirts on the internet,” she said. “One, that I am really proud of, one guy up north wanted the colors of (Florida State University). When FSU was playing in the Rose Bowl game, they invited him onto the field, because of his get up he had on. I thought that was pretty cool.”
In addition to making many custom items including aprons and children’s clothing, Margie’s also offers sewing materials. She also offers her sewing services, for repairing clothing or sewing on a patch whether it’s for a motorcycle enthusiast or a boy scout.
As far as sewing, Margie says she can do it all.
“If I think I can do it, I will do it,” she said.
While running either of her business locations, Margie said she is often found sewing, which is a favorite pass time for her.
“If I am nervous or upset about something, it’s like therapy,” she said.
Want to go?
What: Margie’s Emporium
Where: 5186 U.S. Hwy. 90, Pace, FL 32571
When: Store hours are from 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Sunday, Monday and Thursday
This article originally appeared on Santa Rosa Press Gazette: Margie’s Emporium in Pace offers variety when it comes to handmade items