LEWISBURG W.Va. (WVDN) – According to research, certain colors may actually boost your mood, improve focus and even change energy levels. More specifically, bright and vibrant colors are believed to stimulate the mind and create feelings of happiness and excitement. Donna LeBlanc, owner of Mountain Laurel Treasures in Lewisburg, returned home to Greenbrier County and opened a shop that’s filled with plenty of color and creativity to match.
Located on Washington Street in Lewisburg, Mountain Laurel Treasures opened its doors on July 1, 2024.
“I’m thrilled with the reception that I’ve had,” Leblanc admits. “People have been so kind and sweet. It’s why we came back home after living in Northern Virginia – there was no connection there to anything or anyone. Here, you just connect. Even people who are new to the area – that’s why they come here. The connection is just phenomenal on a day-to-day basis.”
Having been raised in White Sulphur Springs, DeeDee (as she was known then) attended Greenbrier East High School.
“Now as an adult, everyone just calls me Dee,” Leblanc chuckles.
After graduation, she married and left home with her new husband as he joined the U.S. Marine Corps. Now, after 43 years, they’ve returned to the place that feels most like home.
With a creative background, LeBlanc knew that she wanted to open a shop that would not only offer a great product selection, but a colorful one as well.
“My background is in interior decorating and visual design,” she said. “In Virginia, I had booths in antique malls where I’d sell things and paint furniture. I’ve always wanted to have my own shop, so when we bought this building, my husband asked if I wanted to do it and I said yes,” she adds. “When we began painting, I knew that I wanted white walls because I was going to add a lot of color in here. That’s the theme behind the gift shop – I want it to be happy and pretty.”
From home decor, clothing and gifts, Mountain Laurel Treasures focuses largely on women-owned businesses, products and also American-made.
“People come in and they love the aesthetics,” LeBlanc admits. “It’s feel-good merchandise, and my price points are very conservative.” When asked how she chooses new merchandise for her shop, she didn’t hesitate to respond. “I just research, and if a product speaks to me, if I love it, then I look into it. I have one artwork collection by Audra Sampson from New Bern, North Carolina. It’s so pretty and happy,” Leblanc said. “I have another collection of pottery from a woman in Mississippi called Heartfelt Traditions, and that has been so popular.”
Even though the Christmas season may be over for most retailers, it will remain year-round at Mountain Laurel Treasures. For those who love the colors and feel of the holiday season, the Christmas corner area of the shop will continue to be on display. As for new additions, a tea room is planned for 2027 and will include tea-themed merchandise.
In closing the interview, LeBlanc wanted to express her appreciation to both new and returning customers.
“Every sale here not only supports me, but also a charity as well,” she said. “We support five charities, so a percentage of our sales from the shop and income from the building are donated, and that’s really important to us.”
Mountain Laurel Treasures is located at 1102 Washington Street E. in Lewisburg. Business hours are 11:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday, and closed on Sunday.
For more information, call 703-209-6325 or e-mail MountainLaurelTreasures@gmail.
