By Ashley McLeod, Staff Writer
Aug 30, 2013, 13:51
PETERSBURG — Tucked away in Old Towne, there sits a new store featuring a different kind of fare.
The small shop, owned and operated by Mary Barcena, fills a niche in shopping in today’s market which many larger, more common stores are unlikely to cater to. Opened in April, Mary’s Place features a variety of spices, herbs and homemade goods which can’t be found in many chain stores in the area, and caters to those who are interested in natural, organic products.
Barcena began her journey years ago, teaching herself the ins and outs of the kitchen. She began working in catering, which led her to create different dishes and spice combinations.
Barcena worked in real estate for 24 years while running the catering business, Picnics and Parties, on the side. The spice blends she created became popular, which got her thinking.
“People were asking for them all the time,” Barcena said. “I thought about it, and that was the catalyst behind what this store became. It was basically a part-time gig that bloomed into a full-time job.”
Barcena took the spice blends that she created while catering and built her store around them. Each blend is bagged by Barcena, and features a suggested use on the back of the packaging. She also sells separate spices, bagged in smaller amounts, such as an ounce or half an ounce. These smaller portions are a solution to many people who may need a small amount of that one uncommon ingredient, which you would have to buy in larger amounts, and more expensively at most grocery stores.
“The smaller quantities are better, more convenient for those who don’t cook as often or don’t use certain ingredients often,” Barcena said.
The store also features a variety of different blends of tea, which Barcena buys in larger quantities, then breaks down into smaller, quart -size packages.
“I think it gets people to be a little more adventurous in what they’re trying since they wouldn’t have to pay more for a larger amount and it ends up being something they don’t like,” Barcena said.
Most of the herbs and spices in her store are grown in her own personal garden, along with a variety of vegetables that she also sells in the store. With there being no grocery store in the Old Towne area, this aspect of her store has become popular for those who want to drop by and buy produce such as tomatoes, cucumbers and peppers after finishing their morning run. Barcena says that this was one of the reasons she chose this location to open her store.
“Every other day they’re opening more lofts and apartments in the area, and it’s easier for people since there is no grocery store in the area,” Barcena said. “And I love being in Old Towne.”
Barcena also makes homemade bath salts, Neosporin and Vapor Rub, using no chemicals so that the products are all natural. She also makes hot sauces, jellies and barbeque sauce, which she says she can’t keep on the shelves. All of these products are homemade in her kitchen, using only the necessary ingredients.
“People like that the products are homemade, without chemicals. I don’t put anything in that doesn’t have to be in there,” Barcena said.
The store receives a range of customers, including Virginis State University students, and Barcena says the store is packed during the Friday For the Arts event every month. People have returned to the store and told her stories of different ways they have used her spice blends, as well as sending her messages on Facebook praising her products.
If you’re looking for natural products, medicinal herbs, products such as crystallized ginger, cinnamon sticks or herbal teas, but don’t want to buy large quantities for larger prices, Mary’s Place is just the store you’re looking for.
