NEDERLAND — The Rustic Door has a motto that describes the gift mall’s items — décor, designs and stylish lines.

But the store, located at 1344 Boston Ave. in Nederland, offers more than sought after items, Nederland Chamber of Commerce and Tourist Bureau President/CEO Diana LaBorde said.

“The Rustic Door is a business incubator of sorts. People come in, rent a space and see how well their items sell and often go on to open their own business,” LaBorde said.

On Monday, members of the Nederland Chamber and economic development corporation paid a surprise visit to The Rustic Door and presented owner Patsy Tackett with the Small Business of the Year award.

“Each year we choose a small business of the year in Nederland because Nederland is built on small businesses,” LaBorde said. Small businesses are a big part of the economy and The Rustic Door is the embodiment of this.”

Tackett and store manager Letha Ruiz, she said, are often the first to step up when there is a benefit or other need and are community minded people.

Customers came and went, making purchases and inquiring about items such as stackable rings and table runners as the women spoke.

Store manager Letha Ruiz and Tackett were pleasantly shocked by the award.

“I’m still kind of star struck,” Ruiz said. “The EDC and chamber support us so much.”

Tackett took ownership of The Rustic Door close to two years ago and continues to operate Patsy’s Cake Balls. Her cake balls actually led to becoming a business owner.

A while back her church, First Pentecostal, was talking about a building project and Tackett wondered what she could do to help raise money. Thus the cake ball business was born. Soon she was selling Patsy’s Cake Balls along Boston Avenue during what was then a Nederland community event held monthly on Thursday nights.

“I make them by the thousands, hand roll every one,” Tackett said. “It’s just one of those gifts.”

When the opportunity came to purchase The Rustic Door, she thought ‘why not.’

Currently there are more than 100 vendors at The Rustic Door.

“We have amazing vendors,” Tackett said. “They try to keep their items seasonal and change them out constantly so it’s new all the time.”

Tackett will be recognized for the Small Business of the Year award during the chambers 75^th annual installation banquet scheduled for Jan. 14.

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