For as long as she could remember, Mim Kelly always wanted to own her own gift store.

In the fall of 2007, the stay-at-home mom recognized her dream and opened the doors to what is fast becoming a go-to place for unique, hard-to-find gifts.

What the business does: Housed in a quaint, two-story home, Mims is a gift store that prides itself on selling, exceptional merchandise at competitive prices. They carry anything from home décor items and serving ware, to brand name jewelry, to the latest techie gifts in fun designs.

They carry name brands like Vera Bradley, Chamilia, Lenny and Eva and Coton Colors.

“We try and find things made in the U.S. or just different stuff that you can’t find anywhere else,” said Kelly. “We really try and stay on top of the trends.”

How the business started: “I was selling gift baskets at the Red Door [which is now out of business] when I noticed that The Grapevine gift shop across the street was going out of business and their building was up for sale,” said Kelly. “Four of us selling our stuff at the Red Door had become good friends and decided to go for it.”

Mims Off Main opened its doors in October 2007. Kelly is the sole owner and her three friends serves as buyers. The four make frequent trips to market down in Atlanta each year to scout original gifts.

Recent developments: “We got a bunch of new lines when we were at market in Atlanta last month,” said Kelly. “Some really neat techie stuff will be available starting March 1 including a little mini speaker that attaches to IPhones.”

The store is hosting a Chamilia Trunk Show for Valentine’s Day, Wednesday, Feb. 6-9.

“The trunk show runs all day, with daily specials and refreshments,” she said

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Contact information: Mims Off Main is located at 623 Reading Road in Mason. Store hours are Monday through Friday, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.; Saturday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Phone: (513) 336-9100. Website: mimsoffmain.com.