By SANDRA THAMES / Community Columnist

It has taken lots of different jobs, training, education and changes for Alabaster’s Donna Clark to find her niche. She is the only child of A.W. Clark (A-1 Brick Sand and Mortar) and Jean Clark Webb (Webb Generators).

In high school at Thompson, Clark was well-known for her pranks and ability to get into small-time trouble. Former coach Larry Simmons commented it was hard to stay angry with Clark because of her smile and good attitude.

After high school, Clark studied at the Southern Institute of Interior Design for three years then switched to Samford to earn her bachelor’s in business. After a short stint in law school, Clark moved on to her occupation as a nail technician.

That vocation carried her to Bermuda. After returning to Alabaster, she worked for both her parents at their businesses.

Clark’s mother has always loved and collected antiques. Clark’s boyfriend, Allen McCullers, has been buying and selling antiques for years, and with Clark’s business savvy, they began to look for a main street location to open shop.

Thus their business, Somewhere in Time, was born.

Clark loves “antiquing.”

Her eyes just light up when she begins to tell the stories of some of her treasures. Some items are brought in and Clark actually purchases them. A few are left on consignment but the “fun of the game” is to go out and find treasures at other outlets, especially individual homes.

At the business, you will find so many things that remind you of your mother’s or grandmother’s home. If you can’t find it, Clark will be glad to be “on the look and listen” for you.

Her hobbies are work and lots of research. Constantly expanding her knowledge of antiques and collectables, Clark is first to admit she has finally found her passion.

She is very devoted to making a successful business. In the last several months, the shop has been cleaned, repaired and rooms set up that are easy to navigate.

Plunder to your heart’s content, bargain and come out with a smile.

“I love being in the business. If these items could talk, can you imagine their stories? I enjoy meeting the owners, finding out the history of the object. Many stories are sad and we try to be very respectful of the items and the owners,” Clark said. “We have to weed through offered items because folks are desperate for a few extra dollars. We want quality items — both antiques and collectables, primitive pieces and shabby chic.”

Support local businesses — there’s bound to be something with which you’ll fall in love.

Community columnist Sandra Thames can be reached by email at bobthames1942@yahoo.com.