Ellington

Tucked away in Highland Village's myriad shops is Olde Tyme Commissary, a fixture there since 1972. The store features children's toys and costumes, fine-tailored baby clothes, and educational toys and games, but shoppers can find its true character in the shop's hand-painted items and in its owner, Sandra Weber.

Weber, 69, turned her love of decoupage into a full-time business by opening the first Olde Tyme Commissary in her hometown of Greenwood. She moved the shop to Jackson in 1972 to be in a better location, and now operates online as well.

The store's mission is simple: provide the best of everything for children in a welcoming atmosphere. Store employees immediately put everyone entering the store at ease, and encourage children and adults alike to play with the items for sale.

"This is a completely hands-on store," Weber says.

Olde Tyme Commissary contributes to Jackson through various fundraisers and charities, but it also serves as a common thread that binds families together. "I have customers that started shopping here for their children, and now they are coming back for their grandchildren," Weber says.

Are toys recession-proof "The down economy barely affected my business. People will buy for children even when they won't buy for themselves," Weber says.

Her decision to expand and open, then subsequently close a location in Flowood was a costly one, but she is recovering from it. After downsizing and learning to say "no," Weber is moving on, refusing to stay in the past.

For anyone thinking about starting a new business of their own, Weber offers sage advice: "Follow your passion and surround yourself with positive people. That, and have a good banker and accountant."

Old Tyme Commissary is located at 4500 Interstate 55 N., Suite 122, and is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., Monday through Saturday, Call 601-366-1849 or visit http://www.commissarytoys.com.