Wanda Rayman, the owner of The Olde Picket Fence, is celebrating her 20th year of business. In August of 1989, Wanda and her husband, Bill, took ownership of a business named Hartville’s Amish Collection. It was housed in a brand new 3,200 square foot building on Route 619.
In 1990, Bill expanded the business by starting Amish Collection Outdoor Furniture on the lot next door. Through the years, Wanda and Bill have operated stores in Sugarcreek and Berlin, Ohio, a sister store called The Robin’s Nest in Hartville and a satellite store in the Hartville MarketPlace.
The year 2002 brought a name change for the business to The Olde Picket Fence. The name signified the beginning of a deliberate transition inside and outside of the store.
“Over 20 years, we’ve seen many changes in the decorating business, and we’ve always tried to change with the time,” said Wanda.
She started making changes based on requests from her customers who were seeking more primitive items. The traditional country look was swiftly being replaced by a whole new style of primitive decorating.
“Giving customers what they want and making sure each customer leaves happy is how we strive to give good customer service,” said Wanda. “If you are looking for special items, we try to find it for you.”
In addition to her own merchandise line, Wanda added talented local crafters who specialized in items such as painted and appliqued country clothing, berry baskets, homespun custom curtains, woodcrafts, shelves and reproduction furniture, lampshades and dolls.
“So much of our success has been a result of wonderful crafters to work with,” said Wanda. “Their quality and talent is far above the ordinary.”
She stocks a wide variety of times in the store such as candles, fabrics, potpourri, books, rugs, textiles and more.
What does Wanda attribute to 20 years of successful business?
“Honesty, fairness and a smile for everyone, ” she said.
