PHOTO PROVIDED Some of the decor for sale at Beauty In The Making.

The holiday season has arrived and with it, the search for that perfect gift, and for those looking for something truly unique, Beauty In The Making, 27 S. Main St, Hughesville, might just fill that need.

“The idea of this store is to find very one-of-a-kind items that you would find in travels through a small town or a big town, that almost tell a story or become part of your story,” said owner Leenie Newell.

“Each item may not feel like it’s brand new, even though it is, a lot of things are handmade around the world,” she added.

After previously operating a wedding business in Miami Beach, Newell moved to the area four years ago, and opened Beauty In The Making roughly a year later.

“We prayed, and we asked God to lead us to the right place, where we could come and be part of the community and bring some value to the community and and and where we can flourish as an interior design firm and home decor store,” she said.

At the time, Newell and husband of five years, David were living in the Milton area, and after a trip to Hughesville, found the property where their shop resides.

“It needed a lot of work, but it was the right price point. So we rolled over her sleeves,” she said, adding that the property doubles as two AirBnB units.

Unlike many retailers, Newell does not utilize suppliers, instead scouting for the items in her shop from across the country and even the world.

“I travel quite a bit extensively through the United States and through the world, and especially California,” she said.

“When I moved here, I already had an idea of what I wanted to sell. I like transitional styles to where it can fit anywhere. I love to see pieces that are not just beautiful, but functional,” Newell explained.

“We just added these flameless candles that are stunningly beautiful from Denmark, and they are the number one selling flameless candles in Europe, so we tried to have not just unique, one of a kind items, but also items that elevate your lifestyle,” she said.

“We want people to feel like when they receive a gift from Beauty In The Making, that it was thought out, and not just a gift that someone gave to check their list,” Newell said.

“We also sell local artists, but those that align very closely to our vision,” she added.

Though the goal of any business is to make money, Newell stressed that she and her husband want people visiting their shop to experience a sense of peace and inspiration.

“Those two things are very important. Whether they buy or not, that’s secondary. We want to make sure we have an outing for people to be inspired and relaxed,” she said.

“I love to go to small shops myself when I travel, and just get lost in the items and think of their stories. Sometimes I make up my own stories, like where this came from, or what is this made out of. I just love that feeling of connecting with artists or creators, and being able to do that for this community means so much to us,” Newell said.

As the business has quickly become popular, Newell stressed that they exist to be part of a reciprocal relationship with the community, something she is proud to continue building.

“For me to come in where I know no one and create relationships and get to know people, it takes a lot more than if I grew up here all my life and already had a thousand connections with people or through Facebook,” she said.

“We didn’t start with any of that. We came here and just worked really hard. Nobody even knew we were working hard behind these walls,” Newell said, while giving credit for their quick success to the surrounding community.

“Even though it looks like we’re spearheading this whole thing, it takes a community to bring about all that we’re doing,” she said.

“We are very grateful to be here in our community. We have Kathy’s Cafe that has been here for over 20 years right next door, Mark’s Outfitters who have been across the street for over 50 years and Shelia Barto’s Jewelry & Gifts for over 20 years and Hess & Hess, P.C. Lawyers, so we have some businesses that are surrounding me that have such a strong foundation to the community,” Newell said.

“We’re excited to be in a place where we can have that strong connection with the community, and we’re happy to support the community in any way that we can, and we want to serve it through those genuine connections,” she said.

Newell said that their focus on bringing together a well rounded, unique inventory makes Beauty In The Making the perfect shop for anyone seeking that perfect gift, Christmas or otherwise.

We gather unique finds, such as home decor, kitchen items and outdoor living,” she said.

“All of the things we have are made with either clay, cloth, wood, metal, stones or leather, and they’re selected because they’re timeless, they’re beautiful and they’re functional, and the purchaser’s lifestyle can be elevated, and tell their story. We’re hoping that people will buy things that connect them to themselves,” Newell said.

“Every time somebody comes through the door, we try to welcome them and to allow them to have a unique experience. And we hope that when they leave, they have found beauty, some inspiration, a belonging, some joy and that we have touched them in a special way,” she said.

For more information on Beauty In The Making, please visit www.beautyinthemaking.com.