As new doors open left and right, the owner of a 22-year-old Carthage gem beams with excitement over the influx of local entrepreneurs.

Sandi Barney is the owner of Dazzle’s Collectables & Accessories, which holds a rich history in Carthage, and sees numerous benefits to the recent growth in local shopping opportunities.

“I have noticed an increase in the out-of-town customers,” said Barney. “I have been noticing this for the last three or four years now.”

Customers come from varying locations.

“The Shreveport, Tyler, Marshall and the surrounding Ark-La-Tex areas come and shop with us now,” said Barney. “I think it is great.”

Shopping locally is increasing in convenience, according to Barney.

“I think it is great that we have so many different businesses now,” Barney said. “We do not have to go out of town. From clothing, jewelry and any kind of accessories that anybody would desire, to hunting and fishing gear, there is something for everybody here.”

Barney expresses appreciation for her small town.

“I love that we all love one another,” Barney said. “There is just nothing better than living in a small town to me.”

Barney believes God has a purpose for her business.

“There is so much that happens in this little store in these four walls,” Barney said. “It amazes me how God will use us here. There is lots of therapy sometimes through conversations, them helping me and me helping them. It goes both ways. I love and treasure that.”

Barney’s established store in the community did not develop overnight.

“I started 22 years ago,” Barney said. “We bought the business, and it was not as it is now. It was a time in my life when I was ready to do something. My husband, Jebb, and I thought and prayed about it, and we were going to do it.”

Barney’s mother played a role in the process.

“My mom was a huge part of it,” Barney explained. “When we bought it, it was more antiques than anything. That was big back then. My mom was very passionate about antiques and so she ran that for me. Then over the years, it has just evolved into what it is today.”

Barney views a new store as one more thing Carthage can offer.

“Every time I see someone else moving in and filling up some of these empty spaces in our downtown area, I think it is great,” Barney said. “I think it is just something else that we can offer and that can encourage out-of-town customers to come and shop in Carthage.”

The store is located at 106 Shelby St. and is open Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. The store can also be viewed on Instagram @dazzlescollectables, on Facebook @Dazzle’sCollectables&Accessories, or contacted via cell at (903) 693-9499.

“I love seeing all the young entrepreneurs who are opening up, digging in and growing our business community here in the downtown area,” Barney said.