12 / matters magazine / fall 2017 fear of being disconnected or overlook- ing something,” she says, “but much of my buying is done online and at trade shows and I have an incredible staff, which makes it work.” She grew up in South Orange, where her parents still live, and travels back and forth every six to eight weeks. Hughes, a former editor with This Old House, said she clocks an average of 50 hours a week – a big challenge with two young children (3 and 8), but one she is more than happy to take on. “This town is unlike other com- munities. Our customers are fierce about supporting us. We’ve created a go-to destination where people are comfortable to come and have cof- fee, visit and shop.” Her husband helps with their kids and they have some hired help, but Hughes says she makes a point of taking her daughter to school in the mornings and prepares dinner most nights. Between auctions, antique shows and estate sales she is on the road quite a bit, but said it is still less than she was doing with This Old House where she traveled constantly and taught workshops on the week- ends. It is also not uncommon to see her kids visit the store – living examples of the Mercantile’s family-friendliness. And while each of the women has a distinctive business, they share a mar- keting plan and very full events calen- dar. “We are community-focused and always looking for local talent and lo- cal businesses to cross pollinate with,” says Hughes. (Note to local talent – she means it. Get in touch.) The extensive array of events they have coming up includes a scent workshop, numerous This 3,000 square foot space provides ample space for Maplewood Mercantile's three shops to showcase their merchandise. THE PREEMINENT PREPARATORY SCHOOL IN NEW JERSEY FOR PRE-K THROUGH 12TH GRADE JEWISH EDUCATION ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE JEWISH TRADITION COMMUNITY VALUES REGISTER FOR A FALL OPEN HOUSE AT GOLDAOCHACADEMY.ORG OR CALL THE OFFICE OF ADMISSIONS 973-602-3601 973.313.2722 n thetenthmusegallery.com 170 Maplewood Avenue n Maplewood, NJ NEW SEASON, NEW ARTISTS NEW COLLECTIONS HOURS: m–w 10am-6pm th—sat 10am—8:00pm MEET AND GREET ARTIST DYANNE BELL SATURDAY, OCTOBER 14 11 am–5 pm