02/14/2025
It is with mixed emotions of sorrow and excitement that I have an announcement: After 17 years of serving the High Country and Asheville residents and tourists, Green Mother Goods will be closing its doors. Yet the end is just a new beginning: online shopping for you ... and a newfound freedom for me!
I have loved working at our most recent location where I have had the opportunity to chat with people from all over our state, all over our country, and all over our world. From New York City to San Francisco and Cincinnati, OH to Austin, TX; from Peru to Japan and from India and Scotland; from the shores of the Outer Banks of NC to our neighboring city Charlotte; to the young women from Ukraine to Afghanistan, I have found that there's one thing most people agree upon: the weather is weird. Still, so many days I have gotten to say, "It's a beautiful, sunny day here in Asheville!" Yet some days are super rainy; and sometimes it's really cold and the tunnel created by the tall buildings surrounding the little shop causes blasts of wind that are biting while walking up the sidewalk to find our eco-friendly bear shirts and upcycled items for sale. I may never know all the ripple effects that were sent out into the world, hopefully opening eyes to the delights of the Tree of Life made from recycled steel oil drums in Haiti, reused chandelier sun-catchers reflecting glints of natural light, bright colors woven with hand-embroidered flowers made by women in cottage industries, one-of-kind locally-made jewelry, and cozy apparel made from super-soft organic cotton and recycled fabrics that "feel good on your conscience and great on your body!"
While on-line shopping doesn't have the same sensory stimulation provided in the retail environment -- you can't smell the natural fair-trade incense or local aromatherapy sprays nor feel the vibes of Putumayo or Playing for Change music while browsing around -- my hope is that I will be able to reach even more people on a virtual platform and will be able to put more time and energy into telling the many stories of the people behind our products and the earth-friendly resources from which they're made.
While I have found over the years that it's a challenge to find perfect products, I am encouraged by how many other companies are striving for sustainability and fair wages in their manufacturing process as compared to when the store began, so I have a plethora of products to choose from to offer nowadays. Therefore my goal will be to offer an even greater array of items that will be conveniently available at your fingertips! (And if ~ that's IF ~ I ever reopen a retail storefront, it will be the best version yet, combining all the different elements and incarnations at its various locations over the years, with a bigger and better selection than ever before!... like-it-or-not to my haters, betrayers, vandals, stalkers, corporate competitors or whomever you are...)
As for me, I hope to have more time for family and friends, self-care and fitness, security and adventure, relaxation and my own creativity. Ahhhh.
So if you are in Asheville this weekend, come check out our closing sale and enjoy 10-50% off your purchases storewide. As for the rest of you, on-line shopping coming soon! 🤞💻 👏 🎉
Open today 2/14
Valentine's Day 💝
through Monday 2/17
Presidents' Day 🗽
12:00 - 7:00
With Love Always,
Debi Golembieski
Owner and Manager
(and all-the-hats wearer)
Green Mother Goods
