HARRISONBURG, Va. (WHSV) – During the recession in 2011, a teacher decided to leave her job to start her dream business at 24 years old.

Fourteen years later, Sara Christensen, the owner of The Lady Jane, said it was the most spontaneous decision she’s ever made but also one of the best.

“I just wanted to create a space where people could come and just feel welcomed and feel connected to something,” Christensen said.

Christensen is a fan of British literature, so she named her shop after Jane Austen. With The Lady Jane, Christensen hopes to support local artists, refugees, LGBTQ+ groups and other marginalized communities. She said she feels more connected to Harrisonburg since opening the business, which is located downtown at 117 S. Main St.

The original concept of The Lady Jane was for it to be a home goods store. Christensen described the art and decorations in someone’s home as a reflection of them in physical form.

“Our homes tell a story of our lives,” Christensen said.

Christensen also believes the gifts one chooses to give are a reflection of the giver and the recipient. Today, The Lady Jane is known around the Friendly City for its locally made art, jewelry and gifts.

“We’ve been on the periphery of these incredible moments in people’s lives. All these little moments add up to this incredible experience that we get to have at the shop to be a part of someone’s story,” Christensen said.

Over the years, The Lady Jane has sold countless birthday gifts and cards for just about every occasion.

“We want people to feel like every purchase matters to us, because it does,” Christensen said.

The Lady Jane shop hopes to host more in-store events while continuing to support other local businesses and artists.

The Lady Jane is hosting its 14th birthday celebration on Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. The whole store will be 20% off. Treats from local vendors and giveaways will also be available.

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