Macon Magazine

7th Street Salvage BRENT AND CATHERINE MEYER, owners of Macon's exceptional 7th Street Salvage, spent almost 18 months renovating their architectural warehouse located at 230 7th St. When they opened in 2018, they focused on reclaiming and selling architectural salvage, but quickly expanded by adding custom building options, open air maker's markets and a handmade candle line using reclaimed wood lids. Now, they have become one of the largest architectural salvage companies in the Southeast and are still growing. In July 2019, they restored and renovated an old gas station at 230 2nd St., creating a home decor and gift shop for nearly 30 local artists and makers. They were not immune to the challenges brought by the COVID-19 pandemic. "It caused businesses, especially small businesses, to change overnight with no preparation," Catherine Meyer said. The changes led to many challenges such as loss of income, furloughing employees and creating new ways to interact with customers. They relied on a shipping-only model and existing selling platforms, like Etsy, and social media to get them through. "We literally have had to think on our toes and make changes on almost a daily basis," Catherine Meyer said. "Our message to Maconites during these times is to remember to slow down a little, and simplify where you can. Something as simple as eating dinner on our porch each evening as a family is now normal." SPRUCE UP YOUR SPACE FOR SUMMER GET TEXTURED Adding rugs, pillows, blankets or plants are easy texture items. Buy- ing new throw pillows, or using an old quilt, also adds easy texture and layers. BETTER GET PLANTING Plants are our go-to when sprucing up a space, whether a trendy suc- culent or fancy fern. Think about planting the plant in something unique, like an old bucket from the garage or a chippy tea cup for a touch of whimsy. "OLD THINGS HAVE SOUL" That's one of the Meyers' favorite sayings. Have your grandmother's typewriter? Add it to a bookshelf for display. Family heirloom chi- na? Don't save it for a holiday, add hangers and display them on your walls for decoration. Old recipes? Frame them in your kitchen. "OUR MESSAGE TO MACONITES DURING THESE TIMES IS TO REMEMBER TO SLOW DOWN A LITTLE, AND SIMPLIFY WHERE YOU CAN." – CATHERINE MEYER 104 maconmagazine.com | JUNE/JULY 2020

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