What's new in Shelby-area business: Dove releases, eco-friendly caskets, play cafe, dog camp
Emily Jones started keeping birds after her mom worked with a man who had doves, and she became interested. Jones got her first set of around 20 birds and began training them.
Tammy Massey grew up in the North Carolina forest, surrounded by nature and the scent of freshly cut wood. She picked up woodworking skills from her ex-husband. A visit to a nature preserve interested her in green burial options.When parents Kayleigh and Matthew Melton didn't see many entertainment options for young children and moms and dads in Cleveland County, they decided to create their own.
Analee Fry always loved dogs since she was a child and after she and her husband, Matt, moved to North Carolina, she wanted to do something other than teaching.
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Here are the stories of some people who turned their hobbies into new businesses right here in Cleveland County.
Emily Jones owns and operates A Dove Above, a business that provides trained dove releases for events within a 20-mile radius of Cleveland County.
Jones trains her 50 homing doves to return to their loft after being released, symbolizing peace, love, and new beginnings at events like weddings and funerals.
The doves are a unique and eco-friendly alternative to balloon releases, captivating audiences as they fly overhead and return home.
READ THE FULL STORY: When doves fly. Check out this Shelby dove release business
The business offers eco-friendly caskets and urns made from pine and other biodegradable materials.
Massey, who is also a therapeutic foster parent, said she found her calling building caskets after she learned about Kings Mountain Nature Preserve. The 56 acres of land in Cherokee County offers a more natural burial option with no metals, plastic or toxins, just pine caskets or biodegradable materials and no embalming with toxic chemicals.
Massey's goal is to provide an alternative to traditional burials and educate the public about green burial options.
In addition to caskets and urns, her shop also sells flowers for various occasions.
READ THE FULL STORY: Shelby craftswoman opens natural casket and urn business. The story behind how it started.
The Play Place, a new play café, opened last month in Shelby, offering a safe and fun environment for young children.
Created by Kayleigh and Matthew Melton, the café aims to provide a space for kids to play while parents relax.
READ THE FULL STORY: Looking for a fun place to bring the kids? Check out this new Shelby play café
Drax's Dog Camp, a new boarding and daycare facility for dogs, is opening in Shelby on Feb. 10.
Owners Analee and Matt Fry, formerly pet sitters, were inspired to open the facility due to high demand for their cage-free, home-like environment.
The camp, named after the couple's adopted dog, offers indoor and outdoor play areas, and aims to provide a stimulating and enriching experience for dogs.
Drax's Dog Camp serves both Cleveland and Gaston counties, offering bus transportation from Gastonia.
READ THE FULL STORY: Drax's Dog Camp set to open in Shelby
This article originally appeared on The Shelby Star: A look at some unique new businesses in Shelby, NC
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