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Be Inspired, Be Delighted at Federal & Black
Be Inspired, Be Delighted at Federal & Black
By Linda Roberts
When Rebecca Kidder was a little girl, she dreamed of one day opening her own store. For some of us, dreams do come true.
A little more than a year ago, Kidder did open her shop, Federal & Black, at 5 South Madison Street in Middleburg. Walking into the small boutique of less than 500 square feet, a visitor goes back in time surrounded by antiques and the contemporary blended together to create a treat for the senses.
Her innate sense of style was enhanced by memories of living in Europe with her family while growing up and later reinforced with her talents learned in managing a large design shop in North Carolina and living in New York City. The result is an eclectic mix of antique and heirloom-quality products for the home, all tastefully displayed on shelving, pegs and racks that Kidder installed to make the most of her small space.
The shop’s look and style evokes that of a Manhattan apothecary of the late 1800s.
“I wanted a décor and name that would evoke my brand, which is ‘Be Inspired—Be Delighted,’” said Kidder, adding that when customers visit the shop she wants them to be inspired to take the look and feel of Federal & Black back to their own homes and be delighted by the result.
Likewise, Kidder uses her slogan when she’s buying for the shop and noted that the object must meet that criteria to be incorporated into her line of merchandise and offered to her customers. “I want people to feel inspired and welcome when they enter the shop,” she said.
Kidder’s family has been very supportive of her being a business owner, with her brother doing the painting makeover of walls and shelving and her parents, who live in Middleburg, helping to locate some of the furnishings. “Having my family’s help is wonderful,” she said.
“I am incredibly thankful to the town and community,” she added, noting that she’s received a warm welcome from other business owners.
“The shop has been well received,” Kidder went on, commenting that now it is her turn to be supportive of other new shops that are opening in town. Another boost to local businesses was a recent article and photos on visiting Middleburg published in Southern Living magazine. And Federal & Black was mentioned.
With the holiday season drawing near, Kidder said her shop will be transformed into a winter wonderland. Her regular hours are Wednesday to Saturday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sundays from noon to 4 p.m. Thanksgiving week will begin extended hours for Federal & Black, with the shop opening on Mondays and staying open later on Wednesday evenings.
“I’m hearing that there is nothing quite like my shop in town,” said Kidder, clearly immensely enjoying her dream come true.
