Country Friends of ohio

Country Friends of Ohio has been selected as April's Chamber Member of the month.  

Tami Cox is the Owner and Operator of Country Friends of Ohio, located in West Liberty. Her love affair with an eclectic mix of farmhouse, country, primitive and antique home decor started 30 years ago. 

"I had a full-time job, but still struggled to make ends meet," said Ms. Cox. "I was looking for a way to make more income. I first started as a seamstress by making country dolls, bunnies and placemats. While those items sold well, I wanted to put my creativity to work." 

Ms. Cox had always wanted to try woodworking and had an Uncle who was a wood-worker.

 ​"He had a band saw, a scroll saw and lots of other woodworking tools in his barn. He suggested I take some wood out there and see if I could make something." Ms. Cox bought some pine boards, free-handed her ideas onto them, cut them out, painted them and took them to a craft show. "I was amazed that people loved my creativity and purchased my items. From there I purchased my own scroll saw and started my own business." 

Ms. Cox later quit her full-time job so she could stay home and raise her babies. "This business was a great way to still have income and helped me to work when time allowed," said Ms. Cox. "Over the years I have attended many craft shoes and set up a temporary store at each show. While I still do a few select shows, my dream was always to open my own store. My children are 26 and 21, so I decided now was the time to make my dream come true." 

She purchased the old “Graystone building” in Downtown West Liberty (across from the Subway) in June 2018 and completely remodeled the interior of the building with the help and support of her boyfriend, family and friends. “It was a huge undertaking and I am forever grateful for their help.” Country Friends of Ohio opened their storefront in November of 2018. 

During the holiday season, you can find Country Friends of Ohio open in remote locations at The Polaris Fashion Place and The Mall at Tuttle Crossing. "I currently have two part-time employees, Carol Hunter and Cole Hunter. During the holiday season, I employ 10 approximately employees," said Ms. Cox. 

Ms. Cox has lived in Logan County for 24 years. She has raised her children here and they both graduated from Benjamin Logan Local Schools. "I come from a farming family and love the rural setting of logan County and the small-town charm that Logan County offers. I wanted to stay close to home and draw my customer base in so they too could see the beauty of Logan County." 

Ms. Cox says she is proud to be a member of the Logan County Chamber of Commerce.  

"I chose to be a Logan County Chamber member mainly because of all the good things the Chamber does for the community and businesses," said Ms. Cox. "They have helped me to network and look at different angles of my business by the opportunities they offer." 

Please join us in congratulating Country Friends of Ohio for being selected as the Business of the Month for the month of April.