By JENNIFER MAIER / Community Columnist

For many business owners, going from a location with 280 square feet to a location over five times larger is a dream that takes years to achieve. For Robin Robinson and Shannon Hobbs, owners of The Farm Company in Columbiana, the dream of growing larger was achieved in just seven months.

On May 5, 2016, Robinson and Hobbs decided to test out the world of retail, and on a leap of faith they opened their store at the Shops of Columbiana on Main Street. With just 280 square feet, their location had the space it needed to get started.

Their business model consisted of repurposing old items into new creations.

“We take old things that no one wants anymore or thinks they can’t use anymore and we repurpose them,” explained Robinson back in May when the store first opened. “All of our items are handmade in Shelby County by amazing artisans.”

Apparently the business model of ‘waste not, want not’ has worked well, because on Nov. 16, 2016, The Farm Company opened the doors to its new larger location, which is right across the street from the original store.

The new location is 1,540 square feet, which will allow the business owners to venture into selling bigger items, like handmade tables.

Robinson credits God with the quick growth, explaining that God’s provision has brought them exactly what was needed at the time that it was needed.

“Ever since we have moved, every time we needed something, it has been provided to us,” Robinson said. Most recently Robinson said that they had a need for a refrigerator for products such as fresh cheese, and a friend was able to help them a get a used refrigerator at no cost.

The store offers unique items, all handmade in Alabama. You can find items from companies such as High Cotton Candle Company, Cornsilk Posey Handmade Soaps, City Bee Honey, Blind Dog Biscuits and Prodigal Pottery, just to name a few.

The larger store also has a work space where Robinson and Hobbs create the many one-of-a-kind items they sell. And for anyone that just wants to stop by and visit, there is a seating area, too.

Both Robinson and Hobbs give credit to their friends and family who have encouraged them along the way. Hobbs points out that her mother, Susan Todd, has been there to help with everything from running errands to cleaning.

“She is our number one fan, for sure,” Hobbs said.

Also of great help has been Hobbs’s daughter, Sawyer, who helped with painting and cleaning.

The rapid growth of The Farm Company is a testament to the hard work of two industrious women who feel passionately that God will provide them what is needed to be successful.

“This is about meeting people and sharing the love of Christ with people,” said Robinson.  “We just want to shine a light for people. The retail part of it is just extra.”

The Farm Company is located at 105 South Main Street in Columbiana. The store is open from 12 p.m. to 5 p.m. on Monday, and from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday through Friday.  Saturday hours are 10 a.m. to 1 p.m.