For 25 years, Robin owned the Frame Gallery in Johnson City’s Mountcastle Center. Three years ago, the lure of home grew stronger, and as the economy weakened, she decided it was time to sell her business and move back to the Asheville area. The business sold quickly, and her house sold two weeks later. She said the move was meant to be.

Robin bought a house in Wolf Laurel, N.C., which her children call "The Nest", and tried to enjoy a life of leisure. She couldn’t do it. “It was the first time I hadn’t worked since I was 15,” she said. Coming home to her house each day was “like going home to heaven,” but she missed the challenge owning a business presents, and she missed chatting with customers, getting to know them and counting them among her friends.

Two more things conspired to bring her back to Johnson City — her children wanting her to be closer and the house at 1305 N. Roan St., owned by longtime decorator Martha Maze, became available.

“I’ve always wanted that building. It has so much character,” Robin said. “I have taken pictures of this house throughout the years. It was my dream to move the frame shop here.”

After a trip to Johnson City earlier last year, Robin got on I-26 headed for Wolf Laurel. Something told her to turn around and go back to 1305 North Roan. She stopped in to see Martha Maze and said, “Martha, when are you going to sell me this house?”

Martha said, “Today!” Robin thought she was kidding. “No, really when?” “Today is the day I am going to sell you this house,” Martha said — she meant it.

The next phase of Robin’s life had begun.

Robin got a loan and on June 16, a little less than two years after she sold her frame shop, Robin began renovating the house. Her friend artist Jane-Anne Thomas stopped by and told her, “If you don’t do anything else, you have to get Arte Bella to paint it.” Robin did and a series of fortuitous events began.

Maria Curd who owns Arte Bella along with crew member Dave Keys came up with the name for her business. Dave made the robins that roost on the building’s roof. Also, through Maria, Robin met carpenter Steve McKinney who restored the electrical and did all the carpentry remodeling. One bit of good luck led to another, and the shop opened Sept. 1, 2010.

Though framing is Robin’s first love, Robin’s on Roan specializes in home furnishings and regional art. Robin wants to keep things simple so she has one line of furniture, one line of lamps, one line of blinds and shades and one line of rugs.

“I don’t want to branch out any more,” she said. “I don’t want to confuse the customers.” In addition to the home furnishings lines, Robin also sells one of a kind functional art — things that she likes. Artist Nancy Jane Earnest, potter Paul Anthony, Photographer Jeffrey Stoner, Jane-Anne Thomas are among those
whose work are featured at the shop.

Robin, accompanied by her miniature schnauzer, Millie, makes the drive from Wolf Laurel every day. “I always wanted to live where my business was but this area is all zoned commercial,” she said.

So she still returns to her “heaven” in the woods of North Carolina, while maintaining closer contact with her two sons and daughter.

Before she sold the frame shop, she had 2,000 names on her customer list. Some are finding their way to her new business. “We were hoping that was you when we saw the "robin's" out there,” they tell her. As for Robin, she said, “When I see one of my old customers come in, it makes my day.”

Turns out, she has two homes — the one of her childhood and the one she created herself.

Revised Story by Jan Hearne – Her Magazine

August 1, 2011 Update: Robin is now CUSTOM FRAMING again, what she does best and still represents local artists at "ROBIN'S ON ROAN".