A business mix

Related Photos

Becky Poyner, left, serves up some of Phyllis Lister’s homemade sweets at Mineral Wells’ newest store, Merrimac & North, which multi-tasks with a salon, antiques, home décor and bakery treats. Poyner’s daughter, Shaley Cates, had the vision, which became a family affair during renovation of the historic building. Brother, Sammy Poyner, and father, Scott Poyner, of Poyner Construction, revived the interior, while leaving layers of brick and wood slats, revealing the century-old character of the space. Libby Cluett/Index

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December 7, 2012

A business mix

Eclectic downtown retailer offers three shops in one

Anonymous Mineral Wells Index The Mineral Wells Index Fri Dec 07, 2012, 09:07 AM CST

By CHRIS AGEE

Shaley Cates said the idea behind Merrimac and North, a unique addition to Mineral Wells’ downtown area, came from the combination of two passions.

Cates, who has been a professional hairstylist for five years, continues her career with a full-service salon, though she said a longtime hobby incorporated into the business is bringing in the most customer traffic.

The name of the shop comes from the location of her great-grandparents’ home in Weatheford.

“That is where I got into picking and antiquing,” Cates said.

Bringing that personal history into Merrimac and North, she offers antiques and furniture for sale and takes orders for restoration projects.

She said the recent popularity of television shows such as “Picker Sisters” and “American Pickers” have created a surge of people interested in repurposed antiques.

“This is kind of the hot time for this,” she said, explaining Pinterest and other websites prominently feature old items renovated to serve new purposes.

Offering something for nearly all senses, Cates explained a close family friend is also involved in Merrimac and North by heading up a bakery located inside.

Taste and See Bakery, operated by Phyllis Lister, features homemade sweets including fudge, pies and candy.

More information about the business, located at 208 N. Oak Ave., is available online at merrimacandnorth.com.