08/30/2026
📸✨ LOCAL BUSINESS SPOTLIGHT: THE MASON JAR ✨📸
“You never know what you’ll find.”
That might be the perfect way to describe The Mason Jar—but there’s a lot more to this local business than the treasures you’ll find inside.
Owned by Tammy Mason, The Mason Jar officially opened its doors on December 11, 2023. And while the store may be relatively new, the story behind it began during one of the most difficult seasons of Tammy’s life.
When Tammy’s husband was diagnosed with cancer and had to quit working, their family found themselves relying on their savings, friends, and family to help cover medical expenses. As treatment continued, those savings quickly disappeared.
Tammy began selling clothes from her own closet to help bring in money.
Then she started buying clothing to resell. She would sell it, use the profit to buy more, and start the process all over again. She kept going because she had to—and because she was determined to do whatever she could to help her family through her husband’s treatment.
Thankfully, her husband eventually went into remission. ❤️
And from that challenging chapter came the inspiration for The Mason Jar.
Tammy has always loved the hunt of thrifting. She believes that thrifters are going to find a way to find it cheap—and she wanted to create a place where people could find quality items, including brand names, without paying brand-name prices.
But there’s another story behind the name.
Tammy credits her best friend Jan with coming up with the iconic name. The two were simply sitting around throwing out different ideas when they landed on The Mason Jar—Mason being Tammy’s last name.
“Tammy Mason is the Mason Jar.”
The name fits because The Mason Jar is a reflection of Tammy herself: resourceful, determined, community-minded, and always looking for a way to help.
Tammy will tell you that The Mason Jar is not just a thrift store.
“You can come and find what you need. It’s not just about what we sell.”
She wants people to know that she is there for her community. If someone walks through the door and says, “Somebody said you can help me,” Tammy wants to be the person who does whatever she can to help.
That commitment to community extends far beyond the walls of her store.
🌙 MOONLIGHT ON MAIN
Tammy is one of the founders of a special monthly event called Moonlight on Main, held on the 4th Friday of every month, giving local businesses the opportunity to stay open late until 9 p.m. This idea was brought about as a collaboration between several local downtown businesses to encourage supporting local and benefit the community.
The idea is simple but important: not everyone can shop during traditional 9-to-5 hours or make it out on weekends. Moonlight on Main gives people another opportunity to get out, shop local, and support the businesses in their community.
🍎 FEED MY FRIENDS
Tammy also founded the local nonprofit Feed My Friends, which began as a Christmas Food Basket program.
Today, the store has partnered with Feeding America, providing 60 of the more than 100 food boxes distributed each month.
Tammy is also involved in the Summer Nutrition Program, which helps feed approximately 450 local children every Monday during the summer.
And she is quick to point out that she couldn't do any of it alone.
She has a village of approximately 24 local volunteers who help make it happen.
“It truly takes a village.”
Tammy believes that “If we can lighten your load, you can do more.”
And when it comes to Christmas, her philosophy is simple:
“Everyone deserves to enjoy Christmas.” ❤️
🛍️ SO, WHAT WILL YOU FIND AT THE MASON JAR?
That's part of the fun—you never really know!
The store offers clothing, accessories, general household goods, and a variety of vendors bringing their own unique niche products, including:
🐾 Dog collars
🎨 Sublimation products
🏺 Antiques and jewelry
🥫 Jarred goods and vegetables
💎 Handmade jewelry and diamond art
🌸 Handmade wreaths and flower arrangements
📦 Pallet and liquidation items
🍵 Tea packets
🔨 Blacksmith goods
And so much more!
And while you're browsing, you can even grab a cup of coffee provided by another local business, Bee Happy Coffee. ☕🐝
But perhaps the most important thing you’ll find at The Mason Jar isn't something that can be put on a shelf.
It's community.
When asked why shopping local is so important to her, Tammy said:
“It supports local families and those in your community. It supports the local economy. If we don't support local, then we don't have local. Everything will go away and the town will dry up.”
That belief is woven into everything Tammy does.
Her own community helped her family when they needed it most. Now, she is using her business, her nonprofit work, and her time to give back.
The Mason Jar isn't simply a place to find a great bargain.
It's a place where you might find exactly what you were looking for.
It's a place where you might discover something you didn't even know you needed.
It's a place where local vendors have a chance to grow.
It's a place where a cup of coffee can support another small business.
And it's a place where, if you walk through the door and say, “Somebody said you can help me,” Tammy will do her best to make sure you don't leave without being heard.
Tammy's story is a reminder that sometimes the hardest seasons of our lives can become the foundation for something beautiful.
It’s never too late. Remember where you came from. Give back when you can. And never underestimate what a community can accomplish when it comes together.
Because, as Tammy knows firsthand…
It truly takes a village. ❤️
📍 The Mason Jar
🛍️ Come for the bargains. Stay for the community.
✨ And remember: You never know what you'll find!
