When Chelsea Stottlemyer got a gift from her grandmother a few Christmases ago, it drew her attention. It was a tutorial on how to do calligraphy.

 

“I didn’t think much about it, but I studied the book and it really took off,” said Stottlemyer this past Wednesday at Charles Pointe.

 

Stottlemyer wasn’t at the development off of Jerry Dove Drive getting some fine food or checking into a hotel when she talked about the not-too-distant past. Rather, she was inside of her own store that she co-owns with her husband Ben Stottlemyer.

 

What started as a gift, turned into a few favors for friends, progressed into an on-line Web site offering wares, proceeded to the craft show circuit and has now come full circle. Last weekend, on Dec. 1 to be exact, Ben and Chelsea Stottlemyer – Harrison County residents – opened Beyond Measure Living at Charles Pointe Commons.

 

As mentioned above, the key to get the business started was the calligraphy. That, for craft novices, is a way of writing in an artistic form where the lettering is done on various items, usually with a broad tip instrument such as a specialized pen, brush or another instrument.

 

“We offer personalization and customization of items we have in stock with hand-lettered calligraphy. Chelsea write on the ornaments and other items that can go from blankets to decals, with the message wanted by the customer,” Ben said. “They can purchase items here or they have the option to bring in items for the calligraphy.”

 

It’s all done in the more than 1,500 square foot space the couple is utilizing. Although only half of it is for the actual retail that’s available, said Ben.

 

“To see this start from the beginning and to see people requesting her to do items for her is amazing. We saw the desire of individuals wanting this and with the need and the demand we decided to open a storefront,” said Ben. “When this opportunity came up, we took it.”

 

If hand-lettered items done by Chelsea’s calligraphy is all that one may think they ca get at Beyond Measure Living, one would be incorrect. The store is offering artisan made accents, designer apparel, and unique décor.  On top of that, the new business is bringing in some of the area’s top artisan’s wares and having them for purchase.

 

Among the items available beyond the calligraphy products are handmade leather and wool bags and accessories, handcrafted herbal products including oils, yoga mat sprays, salves, bath and body, hand painted and framed wooden signs, canvas art, hand-poured 100 percent soy candles with cotton wicks and natural scented oils and more.

 

“The artisans are from Morgantown, Fairmont, Bridgeport and Clarksburg and elsewhere,” said Ben. “We have and we’ll add local products to our inventory as we move forward.”

 

One thing Beyond Measure Living hopes to do is to utilize many of the artisans the community is familiar with and that means groups from the Bridgeport Farmers Market. Ben said they’re working with groups from there to add to their store and already have some items in stock, including Mountain Oak Candle Company.

 

“We’re trying to make what we do unique and what we offer unique in a manner you can’t find at most retail outlets,” Ben said. “The really good thing is that if someone had an idea for something they want or a specific gift, we can call on the artistans we know and send work to them.”

 

So how did Ben and Chelsea Stottlemyer come up with the name?

 

The pair said it’s chosen from the scripture in Ephesians chapter 3 verse 21. The scripture reads “God can do anything, you know; beyond measure of what you could ever imagine or request in your wildest dreams.”

 

The Charles Pointe Commons building is also the home to Mia Margherita, Firehouse Subs and Bridgeport Family Pharmacy among others. They are located in the former Sherri’s Closet & Cleaners storefront.

 

Patrons can visit them there Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. and on Sundays from 1 to 5 p.m. You can also call the store to inquire about merchandise or goods you may want them to consider at 304-641-5412.

 

You can visit their Web site HERE. You can also visit their Facebook page HERE. The company is also on various other social media platforms.

 

Editor's Note: Top photo shows Chelsea Stottlemyer decorating an ornament followed up by a closeup of her skill. Third and fourth photos show some of the items for sale at thenew business, while Ben and Chelsea Stottlemyer are shown at their recent grand opening below.