Marigolds is a unique boutique that offers an assortment of old and new products from exclusive vendors.

“We just buy things we love,” says co-owner Frankie Liady, a seasoned picker. “They can be old, they can be new.” Frankie runs the business alongside daughters Laura Gaskins and Celeste Massey, with help from her husband, Keith, a local contractor.

Celeste chose the shop’s name based on its original location, a quaint yellow building. The team has since moved to a 3,000-square-foot space on Summerville’s Central Avenue, where the combination of classic and modern items includes everything from housewares and furniture to clothing and jewelry.

Finds such as organic Turkish linens, vintage broaches and a line of dish towels commemorating Summerville as “The Birthplace of Sweet Tea” are exquisitely arranged. Customers can browse goods such as Tocca candles or Thyme’s candles, Barr or Deep Steep bath products, and Kitchen Papers dining and serving products.

In addition to hosting classes on Chalk Paint, a decorative paint by Annie Sloan, Marigolds sells the product and provides guidance on color and style selections. It can be applied to almost any surface without priming or sanding and is designed for use on indoor and outdoor furniture, walls, flooring, metal and cement. Its water-based formula makes for easy cleanup.

Whether coming for one of these classes or to pick up a gift, customers find a fun, familiar atmosphere. The owners get to know each of them by name, asking about their families and bringing them behind the counter to greet Myrtle, the only canine member of the sales force. Visitors sometimes find Marigolds’ rising star, 11-yearold Lillian Massey, assisting with all aspects of the business.

In short, Marigolds specializes not only in old and new products, but also in old and new friends.

—Kristin Jeffords