Meet the Owner

Well…hey!

Just like any small business, there’s a name behind the brand. Mine so happens to be Cortney! I wanted to give insight to who I am, why I started The Grotto, and a few other things.

I’m a 23-year-old woman living in Trenton, MI. I have my Bachelor’s in Journalism and Media Production, and am currently working toward my Master’s in Creative Writing. In my spare time, I (obviously) cross stitch, crochet, knit…all the crafty things! Most of that was inspired by my mom - who we’ll call Mother Grotto. She’s been cross stitching since before I was born, so I grew up in an environment where it was just part of daily life. When I started stitching about ten years ago, I had no idea that eventually I’d end up here, but…I’m glad I am!

When I say this hadn’t been a part of the grand plan, I mean it. Mother Grotto and I had come into The Framery and Gallery in Trenton, MI to get some of our cross stitch pieces framed. It was the first time we’d ever been inside. While picking frames and mattes for our pieces, we talked with Lynn (one of the lovely people at the Framery) about how owning a cross stitch shop was the dream. Shelby, the Framery’s owner, had overheard us talking, and, well, the rest was history. It was a very hectic two months (you heard me right, two months!) of getting ready for opening, but having those two with me really made a difference. From paperwork to downright panicking, they had my back the whole way.

The Stitchers’ Grotto is meant to be a space made for stitchers, by stitchers. My aim is to have a variety of patterns, fabrics, and threads for every cross stitcher to enjoy, and yarns and supplies for knitters and crocheters to get their hands on. While we aren’t carrying yarn yet, it’s something we’re looking into, and the goal is to eventually carry products that the yarn crew can grab. That’s why I called it “Stitchers’” in the first place - we aren’t trying to only cater to one type of stitcher, we’re aiming to cater to all stitchers. Even if it does take us a bit to get there.

Thanks for checking us out, and supporting The Grotto! I appreciate you all, and look forward to seeing you all in the shop soon!

xo Cortney