“I

“I didn’t know this was here.”

According to owner Catilyn Hewitt, that is the most frequent comment she hears as customers “stumble” into My Deer Watson, an eclectic shop located “off the beaten path” at 223 East Modlin Road in Ahoskie.

Modlin Road is off the beaten path between Ahoskie and Winton, and My Deer Watson is a few hundred yards from that beaten path, on the east side of the road.

In a building that formerly housed The Ramblin’ Rooster, My Deer Watson officially opened in October 2022 with Hewitt as owner/cheerleader. Enthusiastic about not just her part of the business, but the twenty-four vendors she encourages, Hewitt immediately explains that the shop is a joint effort with the support of family, friends, vendors and the entire community.

In fact, it is not just a business for her but it allows her to support other businesses:.

“The store [keeps] my mind occupied and my heart happy knowing we are giving a space for small businesses to grow and thrive,” Hewitt states.

In the inviting space, the customer can find art, bourbon barrel tables, coffee, cutting boards, door hangers, duck decoys, fishing baits, furniture, jewelry, key chains, memory bears, peanuts, plants, purses, smocked children’s clothes, sunflower oils, tumblers and turkey calls just to name a few of the items found there.

In February, Eliza Mae’s Closet is coming into the building.

Some of the items are on sale by Hewitt herself, but many are from other vendors, either renters or consignees. Vendors do come from as far as Florida, but most are local folks showcasing their own art and/ or craft.

Consignment items can be found throughout the seven-room store, but renters occupy a specific space which can range from a small section to an entire room.

One such renter is Erica Lane of Murfreesboro, whose door hangings can be found gracing many area front doors.

Describing her experience as a renter at My Deer Watson as the “next best thing to having my own shop,” she enthusiastically describes the business, saying that sales in January have been almost as good as in December.

Agreeing that the location is off the beaten path, she marvels at the many people who have found their way to it. Some of them may be the result of Lane’s postings on social media.

In addition to the items in the store, whether placed there by Hewitt or one of the renters or consignors, speciality orders can also be arranged.

Having formerly worked part-time at

Bed and Biscuits Pet Care, as well as at The Ramblin’ Rooster, when owner Kim Presley decided to retire and simply close The Ramblin’ Rooster, Hewitt was faced with a sudden decision, and she decided to take over the shop, suddenly.

She says it would not have been possible without the support she received from her family with her brother, Austin, taking over technical aspects and designing her logo, her mother, Cathy, cleaning and clearing, and her husband, Zach, working maintenance.

The suddenness of the decision is echoed by Hewitt’s mother, Cathy Tann, who recalls that one day her daughter called asking whether she should consider taking over the space and opening a shop and the next day informed her she had gotten her business license. Tann describes Hewitt as “a real go-getter.”

The support from family has continued and has been enhanced by the support that now comes from the entire community.

The shop is named for her one-yearold son, Watson, with the Deer added because her husband is an avid hunter. Both influences are evident in the shop with many sale items that reflect the outdoorsy, hunting nature and an entire room devoted to Watson.

When his father is at his Nucor job, Watson often accompanies his mom to work, so Watson’s Playroom was set up.

Originally for him, it is open for any child (or child at heart) coming into the shop. Hewitt disliked having to tell children that they couldn’t touch items, so she designed an area with items they can touch as well as activities to keep them occupied while their parents shop.

In addition to Hewitt, Erica Mooring staffs the store on weekends. She likes working there because there are so many different items, saying that, with so many items reflecting the creativity of the artisans, customers can always find something new.

She calls it a perfect place for finding the perfect gift.

Open Tuesday-Friday 11 a.m. to 6:30 p.m., Saturday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., and

Sunday 2 p.m.-6 p.m., it is closed each Monday. Hewitt says that Fridays are usually the busiest days,

Supporting such local businesses as Baker’s Peanuts from Roxobel in Bertie County and Carolina Gold from Harrellsville in Hertford County, it also gives many individuals an opportunity to acquaint the public with their talents.

It offers a wonderful opportunity for the seller and buyer alike to experience the best of the area.

The customer may not have known My Deer Watson was here before finding it, but, once located, it will not be forgotten.

Sarah Davis is a retired librarian and educator and a longtime contributor to Eastern North Carolina Living.