Hampton in-laws enjoy doing business together
Hampton — If first impressions really count, new visitors to Hampton get a warm, comfortable one at Something to Crow About.
Carolyn and Angie Klute are mother- and daughter-in-law partners in this gift shop, craft store and coffee house along Hwy 34, close to the western edge of town.
“I think of her more as a daughter,” Carolyn says of her son Scott’s wife.
“And vice-versa,” Angie tag-teams, of her husband’s mother.
Both women are down-to-earth friendly, natural in their affection for each other, and excited about their young business in an old house.
They opened Something to Crow About almost a year ago, but the idea for the shop germinated during Hampton’s holiday tour of homes in 2007. Both women had undertaken remodeling in their own homes. Anticipating both houses to be finished and decorated in time, they agreed to participate in the tour.
As go so many remodeling projects, their own houses fell behind schedule. Carolyn saw the old house along the highway for sale, and suggested they rent it out together and decorate it for the tour. They took it for one week. Visitors were dazzled by over 40 decorated Christmas trees and a miniature Christmas village.
Their borrowed holiday house was hit. Both women wanted to make the arrangement permanent. With 29 years experience in crafting and participation in craft shows behind her, Carolyn had an idea how to make a business of their gift and decor shop.
Angie and Scott liked the proposed shop’s ideal location, along the highway. They bought the house in early 2008.
