Skincare and Decor and Clothing… oh my! The Pick-It Fence in Sartell is a hidden gem featuring local vendors with creative, beautiful, unique handmade and handmade items. Before owning the store, Darlene Harding was a vendor herself – then purchased the store in August 2019. Christi Villneauve and Stacie Bartels were made co-owners, as well as vendors, to help with The Pick-It Fence.
Darlene was born in Texas but moved to MN in her teenage years. She has lived here ever since with her husband and 3 children. “We have lived in Central MN for most of our 50+ year marriage. Our children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren keep us in this Central location!” Darlene worked as a Dental Office Manager for over thirty years and first became a vendor to sell her gifts and painted furniture. When she retired her ‘side projects’ became her main focus – which was why she was excited to purchase The Pick-It Fence. “Sartell is such a great community, but so many of the residents don’t know about us. In the first year of taking ownership of the shop, we took a hit from COVID and had to close for a couple of months. Since being open again, social media and word of mouth have provided us with a growing customer base – and we want to make sure everyone knows about our unique store!”
Christi moved to the area from Fargo when her husband took a job here in 2000. She works full-time as a CNA Coordinator for Comfort Keepers in addition to helping with things at The Pick-It Fence. “Working in healthcare AND retail all during the COVID pandemic has been trying… but I enjoy making connections with fellow small business owners and makers. Exchanging ideas, admiring talents. It’s truly inspiring and I’m constantly amazed at all the talent found right here in Central MN. We do what we do because we love it. All of our products are sourced by local people investing their time, skills, and hard-earned money to bring our shoppers beautiful, unique items. We want to bring things that spark joy, laughter, and happiness.”
Stacie was born and raised in Central MN and is now an empty nester with her husband, though planning weddings for both of her adult daughters. She has a full-time job in healthcare but calls working at The Pick-It Fence her “fun job.” “What I enjoy about the store is the unique items and handmade products our local vendors bring in weekly. I appreciate our customers supporting local and small businesses.”
The Pick-It Fence features 9 different vendors with a diverse assortment of gifts, clothing, home decor, soaps, lotions, candles, and more – truly a little something for everyone. You can find them just off Riverside Drive at 101 7th St N in Sartell. Support local!
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