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Linda French, who opened Gibsonville's Ce Petite Cochon in December, grew up in McLeansville and has happy memories of coming to Gibsonville as a child to shop when her family needed to "go to town."

The Northeast High grad was inspired by "This Little Piggy" nursery rhyme when she named the shop.

French's love of accessories and small home furnishings is apparent as you walk in the door of the shop.

She eagerly awaits visitors to her unique market and said she enjoys the friendly people who come in, oftentimes just to chat. Some people have gathered there to visit and ended up sharing Bible scriptures and encouraging one another.

French enjoys the location of her store because much of her family is nearby.

She gets to see her daughter, Carmen, and grandchildren Blake, 9, Austin, 4, and Liem, 2, often and said she loves being able to be a part of their lives. Her son, Matt, lives in California.

French spent 30 years working for Norfolk Southern Railroad in both Norfolk, Va., and Atlanta.

While working in the corporate offices of the railroad, she obtained an associate's degree in environmental design from Tidewater Community College. She figured it would be useful one day after she no longer was working for the railroad.

That day came when the railroad offered her early retirement. She and her husband moved to Greensboro to be closer to family and friends. Her husband died of lung cancer a few years later.

French wanted to stay busy but didn't want to work for anyone else. She had always enjoyed design and home furnishings. She loved a challenge.

A friend knew of a cottage in Elon that was for sale. She bought it, fixed it up and made the move to Elon.

Last year, about this time, French saw an empty storefront in the heart of downtown Gibsonville as she drove to work at the spring furniture market in High Point from her home.

She made arrangements to rent the space and started buying things after last year's market to put in her store when she opened. She says she buys what she likes, what appeals to her.

French set up her cozy shop at 120 Main St.

Most of her inventory consists of market samples that she acquires at wholesale prices. Generally the furnishings reflect a French, Asian or traditional style of small furniture and beautiful accessories.

She also offers some older pieces that she has found in her travels.

"Once it's gone, it's gone," French said. If you see something you like in the shop one day, you should buy it because you may not ever see one there again once it sells.

French said she offers quality name-brand accessories for a moderate price. She also offers, with a qualifying purchase, design advice that she would be happy to discuss more in detail with customers as they find their way into her shop.

French has room in her shop to expand within her current location.

She is a thriving business owner in the Gibsonville area offering what she feels is a unique service through her good eye for furnishings and design expertise.

Betty Shepherd and Donna Withrow both work for French in her shop. Susan Dixon also works with French, helping her set up the shop so it is warm and appealing.

The shop is reminiscent of the many boutiques and galleries that line the streets of Blowing Rock.

French said she hopes eventually to have a high-end specialty store, divided according to style choices, to give the customer an idea of how certain things grouped in a certain way bring together a complete room.

Linda Vestal is a wife, mother, daughter, sister and friend living in Gibsonville. Contact her with comments or story ideas at lindavestal@triad.rr.com.