MOTTVILLE - Opening the Mottville Emporium on the corner of Jordan and Crow Hill roads was a multifaceted decision for proprietor Deb Holbein, but it one that was incredibly easy to make.

The site, which houses the Mottville Post Office, was formerly run by the Stengers, who also ran The Bead Studio out of the same facility. When Holbein heard they were planning to close up after several years in business, she saw a golden opportunity.

“Somebody had to take over the post office,” Holbein said. “I'm a stay-at-home mom, so part of my decision is that I just have a 10-door commute to get to work every day, just living up the street. So I get to do this and still be close to home.”

The location is also perfect for other reasons, Holbein said, noting that Mottville Emporium, which officially opened for business Sept. 4, is in close proximity to places like Tea and Treasures.

Holbein said that the red brick building was the perfect place to begin her own business endeavor.

This marks Holbein's first foray into running her own business, but her family had always been involved in running its own businesses her whole life.

Mottville Emporium has a little bit of everything, from Mottville T-shirts to pens, notebooks and computer items, Holbein took her inspiration from an old Skaneateles downtown shop.

“I always loved Talbots' five and dime,” Holbein said. “When I opened up here, I thought that it would be nice to have something like that - a place where you can get a pencil or a gift item, a place with a little bit of everything.”

For Holbein, opening up the shop was more than just a business move. In many ways, it was inspired by her commitment and dedication to her community, the same kind of dedication she saw demonstrated by Stephanie Davis, who passed away two ago.

“She had The Secret Garden,” Holbein said.

“She helped get the street festival going. She got the Christmas tree and the lights going. She just did so much for this community; everything she did was to help other people, and she brought a lot to our little hamlet. And I wanted to help keep all that she had worked for going. I'd have to say that she was really one of my main reasons for doing this.”

Holbein has been active in the community as well, helping with the Mottville Street Festival, assisting with the organization of areas like the festival's miniature boat regatta.

So far, Holbein said that business has been good at Mottville Emporium, as more people begin to come in from throughout town. She plans to keep her eye on things and watch and listen to what people are looking for. She'll then begin tailoring her shop to the needs of her community.

Holbein also has plans to begin expanding what's sold, including works by numerous local artisans.

“We're lucky to have so many talented people right here, and I'd like this to be a place where we can showcase that,” Holbein said, noting that she'd like to sell items like pottery, paintings and photography.