The Story of Our Roots

Homespun Heritage began out of a passion to share my love of genealogy and Appalachia. I am convinced that teaching young people about their ancestral identity -- who and where they came from -- can change the world. When we understand those who came before us and gain insight about their triumphs and struggles, we understand more about ourselves. We are also more accepting of others and have a desire to help each other. Our shop is being created with this desire in mind. If our items can help inspire storytelling, family memories, or the passing of traditions from one generation to the next, we will have succeeded in our goal.

In the central Appalachia I grew up in, families often lived close together, and they shared responsibilities. Children were raised in part by the entire family, and the larger family gathered often for dinners and celebrations. We sat on front porches, watched the traffic go by, and exchanged stories. The lines between the past and the present blurred and stretched into one, much like the curvy two-lane roads that took us from one sleepy small town to another. Each family member played a part not only in daily affairs, but also in the stories and the storytelling.

We took pride in where we were from, despite the troubles and hardships we faced along the way. Our coal mining fathers and uncles sacrificed a great deal to keep our family fed and clothed. Life was slower-paced, and it seems we had a better grasp on what was most important. I hope our clothing, accessories, and home decor help you create a cozy and comfortable experience as you share family holidays, traditions, reunions, road trips, and movie nights together.

It's been over thirty years since I left my own childhood hometown. I realize that way of life is all but forgotten. It seems the older I get, the more I yearn for the simpler ways of living. If you have similar interests, I invite you to follow our social media platforms. We have many exciting plans for our small business, and this shop is just the beginning. Our shop will gradually offer opportunities to learn about and preserve your own family history. I hope that you will return to our online community through social media and help us ensure that future generations remember the significant people, places, and memories that have shaped our identity. Thank you for being a part of our online community. We would love to hear from you -- whether you shop in our store or simply share our love of family, community, and genealogy.