By SCOTT MCKIE B.P.
ONE FEATHER STAFF
Charla Crowe, owner of Cherokee by Design, poses in her new showroom. (Photos by Scott McKie B.P./One Feather)
Cherokee by Design, a locally-owned and operated custom tile and ceramic shop, has moved. Originally located in the Painttown Community in the former Bigmeat’s Pottery building, the business is now in the building across from the Cherokee Indian Fairgrounds formerly occupied by Tribal Grounds coffee.
The move was prompted because the business found itself having trouble due to the traffic situation near the ongoing construction at Harrah’s Cherokee Casino.
“We were right in the middle of the construction,” said owner Charla Crowe, an EBCI tribal member, of their decision to move. “Our customers related that they were having trouble getting through the traffic. At quitting time it was hard. At lunchtime it was hard. They just couldn’t get through.”
Crowe said the majority of their customers are locals seeking to buy custom-made items for themselves or as gifts. She related their biggest selling items are ceramic vases with Cherokee syllabary writing on them.
Some of Cherokee by Design's custom ceramic work
“We needed to move anyway,” she said. “We were outgrowing the building where we were.”
Crowe said the move will involve some increased overhead, but said she is confident the business will grow in the new spot. “We look to do ever so much better, especially with the locals.”
She related that it is a busy time for the business. ‘’It’s coming together. We’re really busy getting our inventory back up.”
In addition to custom ceramic work of all types, Cherokee by Design offers a wide variety of products from customized license plate covers to items such as wallets sublimated with a custom image. Crowe said that she recently made an end table enlayed with tile and hopes to begin offering custom tiled furniture in the near future.
The business also sells live flowers and arrangements for special events such as Mother’s Day or Valentine’s Day.
Cherokee by Design is open Monday – Friday from 9am – 6pm and on Saturday from 10am – 2pm. They are closed on Sundays. They can be reached at (828) 497-9758 or online at cherokeebydesign.com.
