From One Tote Bag to Town Square Collectibles: Jamie McNabb’s McConnelsville Story

Jamie McNabb | Main Street Business Owner

Town Square Collectibles on Historic Main Street, where one tote bag of handmade goods grew into a home for local makers, creativity, and community.

In 2008, on a Thursday evening, my boys and I were having dinner at the Blue Bell Diner in McConnelsville. Before we left home, I had packed a tote full of handmade items I had sewn, hoping I might find the courage to walk into the little craft store on the corner and ask if they were accepting vendors.

To be honest, I was terrified.

After dinner, I picked up my tote, walked into the shop, introduced myself to the owner, and nervously asked if she would be willing to look at my work. She looked through my handmade items and accepted me as a vendor right there on the spot.

That simple “yes” changed the course of my life.

Eighteen years later, I still look back on that evening with gratitude. My journey has been filled with incredible people, unexpected opportunities, and a few twists I never saw coming.

Just when you think you have figured out exactly where you are meant to be, God has a way of saying, “Hold up, sista—I’ve got something even bigger planned.”

During a season of major life changes, I found myself asking whether it was time to give up or keep moving forward. Apparently, throwing in the towel was not part of God’s plan.

Instead, He kept placing one particular building on Historic Main Street on my heart—the building that now houses Town Square Collectibles and The Flats on Main Airbnb.

The funny part? The building was not even for sale yet.

I called the owner and told him I wanted to buy it. Looking back, I am pretty sure he eventually sold it just to get me to quit calling him!

Thankfully, he said yes, and that “yes” became another life-changing moment.

Today, Town Square Collectibles is home to more than 20 talented local artisans and makers. What started with one tote of handmade goods has grown into a place where small businesses can share their talents, creativity is celebrated, and both locals and visitors can discover something special.

Through DIY workshops, children’s camps, community events, and the work of our local makers, Town Square Collectibles has become much more than a shop. My goal has always been to create a place where everyone feels welcome the moment they walk through the door.

A year later, another dream became reality when I transformed the upstairs of the building into The Flats on Main, a cozy downtown vacation rental.

I wanted visitors to have the opportunity to experience our beautiful little town the way we do—to slow down, explore our locally owned businesses, enjoy the historic charm of Main Street, and discover the beauty of Morgan County.

Although I am originally from neighboring Washington County, Morgan County has truly become home. I may have started as a transplant, but this community has embraced me from the very beginning.

One of my favorite things about McConnelsville is that people still take time for one another.

When I am walking down Main Street to run an errand, people do not just pass by. They smile, say hello, ask how your day is going, stop to chat for a few minutes, or simply wish you a great day.

Those little moments may seem ordinary, but they are becoming rare. They are also part of what makes this community so special.

The support I have received over the years has been overwhelming. Whether it is customers choosing to shop local, artisans trusting me with their businesses, volunteers helping with community events, or neighbors simply cheering one another on, this town has shown me time and again what it means to be part of a true community.

It has never felt like I was building a business alone. It has always felt like we were building something together.

I am incredibly grateful for every person who has walked through my doors, attended a workshop, stayed at The Flats on Main, or simply offered words of encouragement along the way.

You have helped turn a dream that began with one nervous walk across the street after dinner into something far greater than I ever imagined.

If there is one thing I have learned, it is that sometimes the biggest blessings begin with the smallest acts of courage.

Mine started with a tote bag full of handmade items, a deep breath, and a simple question.

I am so thankful I asked—and even more thankful that God led me to a community I am proud to call home.