WINNSBORO – Rachael Boyd-Bell has returned to Fairfield County after 30 years, and she and her husband, Tyrone, have opened His & Her’s Discount Store in downtown Winnsboro.
Although this is her first adventure in retail, Rachael comes from a long line of local entrepreneurs.
“My grandmother started out selling boiled peanuts for 50 cents a bag,” she said. “Tyrone has always been a buyer and seller and I have always been a collector. I guess it goes back to my mom always telling me as a child to build my “hope chest,” Boyd-Bell said, laughing as she looked around at the 1000+ square foot store stocked exclusively with her collections and furnishings from over the years.
A 1989 graduate of Fairfield High School, Boyd-Bell attended Benedict College on a track scholarship and went on to compete nationally for two years. She has also served as a police officer and currently works as a registered nurse.
“I hadn’t thought about opening a retail store, but Tyrone and I visited this location when it was Winnsboro Emporium and the former owner said she wished someone would take it over. Tyrone was instantly interested and so was I.
“Things just fell into place with God’s help,” she said. “We offer big discounts on our inventory and will work with folks on a let’s make a deal basis.”
Her extensive collection of furniture, pillows, lamps, floral decorations, desks, wall units, rugs, mirrors, dishes, books, TVs, candles and more offers something of interest to everyone.
“If we don’t have it, we will find it for you,” she said.
While she first had concerns about opening a retail store, Boyd-Bell said she thinks a lot of good changes are beginning to happen in the downtown area.
“Plus, I believe in the resilient people in Winnsboro. If we give them something to enjoy, we can get the momentum back. I would like to see another nice restaurant on Congress Street,” she said. “That would make a big difference.”
The couple have lots of plans for their shop, including bringing in consignments.
She also sees His and Her’s as more than a shop.
“I want it to be a place women can come together and network, where they can show love to each other and celebrate womanhood from the inside out. We need to be reminded of that,” she said. “We can do crafts, share recipes, all kinds of things with no distinction in age, race or income.”
Stopping by to see the inventory and welcome back one of Winnsboro’s hometown natives.
His and Her’s is located at 153 N Congress St, right next to A Latte Luv and across from the former Napa store. Store hours are Tuesday thru Saturday, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Call 864-434-7700 for more information about the shop.