“How wonderful there’s a Ridge business again on Main Street {Hillsville},” reminisced Ruthie Ridge Griggs, life-long resident of Hillsville and daughter of C. E. Ridge, owner of a onetime staple of Hillsville’s Main Street shopping, C.E. Ridge’s 5 & 10 Store. Laura Ridge Sinclair opened “The 304 North Main Shop”, a custom upholstery business, in mid-August after only two weeks of prep time. Laura had outgrown the space in her home when someone informed her of the possibility of a storefront opening on Main Street.  She didn’t think long.  She signed a lease and moved right in.  There was no painting or prepping necessary.  She and sister, Jamie Lee Ridge, started right in, improving the much needed eye-catching curb appeal.  The bright yellow umbrellas now stand shading the colorful flowers planted in a planter box made by their deceased brother, Bugs.  It had been in storage for years.  The sisters were elated to include a symbolic piece of their loved one in the new adventure, thinking of his presence in the planter as watching over them. The purposefully ambiguous name of the business, “The 304 North Main”, is meant to give the new business plenty of room to grow.  Laura did not want her business to be known solely as an upholstery shop.  It is not a design studio, but certainly has the components and merchandise anyone needing help decorating a home would want to see.  Jennifer Powers of Lisette Interior Design, just next door, is proving to be a complementary business neighbor.  They’ve already collaborated on contracts. The focus of “The 304 North Main” is upholstery, custom draperies, window treatments, and pillows.  Laura and Jamie specialize, too, in painted furniture, anything recycled or rejuvenated.  There are harmonizing antique pieces, Jamie’s original art, and handcrafted boutique pieces such as designer aprons and unique lampshades. Pieces are for sale of upcycled furniture that have been given a face lift with modern, contemporary fabrics Neither the textile industry, or the retail industry is new to either sister.  They grew up around the business. Their mother and dad owned Custom House Drapery in King, North Carolina, a commercial operation selling to Sears, J. C. Penney’s and Belk.  Right out of school, Laura worked for 18 years as the International Customer Service Rep for a textile manufacture, Fieldcrest Mills in Eden, North Carolina. The seeds of the business first came about when Laura and Jamie were taking life-long learning classes at Surry Community College.  Jamie was on sabbatical from Salem College in Winston-Salem, but continuing to pursue a degree in art with classes in Dobson.  Laura was taking wine-making classes.  They preferred to take a class together.  The only class that fit the two schedules was upholstery.  They signed up, thinking they would take the class for no other reason than to upgrade their own furniture. Jamie’s background in studio art, art history and color theory, a natural fit with Laura’s background in textiles, gives roots to their desire to breathe new life into old pieces of discarded furniture, saving them from the landfill.  They have a vision of what a piece could be.  “A piece that may have lost it’s luster is a diamond in the rough.” says Jamie.  “Older pieces tend to be made more sturdily from solid wood, no plastics.” In fact, Laura is so conscientious about the environment that she became a certified bee keeper through a program at North Carolina State University.  Concerned with the demise of the bee population and the effects on the environment, she maintains two hives. “Nothing is too small to make a difference,” she says. Laura and her husband, Kerry, stumbled into owning a farm in Carroll County many years ago.  At a family reunion she overheard her uncle, C. E. (Charles) Ridge mention that he was going to sale his farm on Snake Creek Road.  She held him off until she and Kerry could see the property and discuss the possibilities.  They bought the farm and used it as a summer house getaway while they lived and ran their used car and property management business, of 30 years, in Beaufort, North Carolina.  Three years ago they retired and became permanent residences in Carroll County. They have fully acclimated into the community, becoming members of the Hillsville Presbyterian Church and volunteering at several non-profits, including the Hale Wilkinson Carter Home Foundation. Laura says she is overwhelmed by the support of the community with her new endeavor.  She has already established regulars who stop by for a coffee and cracker in the friendly gathering place that is being created at 304 North Main Street. The formal grand opening and ribbon cutting ceremony is to be announced.  She is open “By Chance” on Wednesday through Friday from 10:00 am until 6:00 pm.  Laura suggests people call ahead to be sure she will be available, 252-725-0656.