Best known for its beaches and a giant shark head, Ocean Shores, WA may feel like a town that hasn’t changed but look a little closer. Between the old stand-by trinket shops and the burger joints we grew up with, a few shop owners focused on customer experience, have moved in – and they’re shaking things up! In this instance, we’re talking about an unlikely pair who raised $500 for a youth scholarship – in less than two months!
Sooz Rusty Nail
In 2012, Sue Darcy and McNall Mason published three award-winning kids’ books with their 10-year-old autistic son, Max, as a way to raise money for charities and boost Max’s confidence. The project grew into a community of artists, musicians, schools, and corporations supporting, creating, and benefiting. They collectively called it the “circle of good.” Last March the couple opened Sooz Rusty Nail, an American Pickers style shop that quickly became an Ocean Shores favorite. Dedicated to preserving history, the shop includes plenty of great finds and products that raise funds for the new Museum of the North Beach site in up WA-109 in Moclips.
Fir Mercantile
On Memorial weekend Buffy Dege, with support from her husband Jon, brought Fir Mercantile to life. A unique combination of local artists and ecofriendly adventure products, this shop is light and airy, well designed, and a breath of fresh air on Point Brown Ave! The Dege’s passion for youth seeded the scholarship idea and McNall was quick to jump in with the books. Their eye for design and fun, unique products with PNW flare and a ‘pay-it-forward’ mission are what’s definitely at the heart of Fir Mercantile’s success.
Let the funding begin!
Buffy provided the retail space. McNall brought the books and display. Together, the couples agreed to provide funding even if the books didn’t raise enough for a scholarship. No worries there! 100% of the book proceeds and a donation collection jar nearby fully funded the first $500 scholarship – in record time!
“The level of support has been amazing! People fall in love with the books and we’re so proud to work collaboratively with McNall and Sue! A big thanks and much love to everyone involved!”
-Buffy Dege, owner Fir Mercantile
Stay tuned – this dynamic duo is focused on funding a second scholarship by summer’s end! Watch the show unfold at Fir Mercantile and Sooz Rusty Nail on Instagram!
