Downtown Ashland Association and the Town of Ashland celebrated Self Expressions’ Grand Re-Opening on Tuesday, June 8!
From left: John Hodges, Steve Trivett, Matt and Olivia Chadinha, Ginny Eyler, Suzanne Edwards, Shannon McClure, Charlie Martin, Josh Farrar
The reimagined Self Expressions gift shop showcases apparel, jewelry, foods, and decor from local Ashland and Hanover artisans, plus customized vinyl decals and embroidery created by shop owner Ginny Eyler. The vintage-style shop stocked by local makers is a welcome addition to Downtown Ashland’s quaint and quirky vibe.
Ginny Eyler graduated from Randolph-Macon College in 2006 and never left! Now a married mother of four and local resident, Eyler opened the Self Expressions retail store in 2019 as a storefront for her successful online customization business. Ginny explains, “We just like the opportunity to get to meet more people in the community and show them all that we have to offer.”
In 2020, following the struggles of COVID lockdowns, Eyler expanded the store’s mission and began supporting more local artisans and makers with space in her retail shop. Self Expressions now showcases gifts and decor from 10 local artisans, plus the custom decals and embroidery created by Eyler herself. “We started trying to help local vendors during 2020, when there were no events and craft shows for their sales. As the partnerships grew, we learned that joining forces with these artisans makes the store more fun! The shop now appeals to many different customers for all occasions.”
Stop into Self Expressions gift store, under the bright turquoise awning at 109 England Street, to visit Ginny Eyler and see the expanded inventory of locally made gifts and decor!
