Submitted photo From left are Ed Larry, Board member representing the BC Historical Museum on the Board; Tammy Stemple, Director of Philippi Main Street and Board secretary, representing Philippi Main Street on the Board; Karen Larry, president of the Philippi CVB, representing Adaland Mansion on the Board; Sarah Stemple-Trent, owner of Mystic Threads & Movement, and Amy Yelk of Amy’s Touch and business colleague of Stemple-Trent. Not pictured is Caleb Nolan, photographer for the event, an AmeriCorps member working with both the CVB and the BC Historical Museum.

PHILIPPI — The Philippi Convention & Visitors Bureau recently welcomed Mystic Threads & Movement to the Philippi business community. The new business is located at 678 Mansfield Dr., Suite 105 in the space formerly occupied by BoTai Boba.

Owner Sarah Stemple-Trent and business colleague Amy Yelk want to establish a safe haven for women, a gathering space where women can feel safe in expressing opinions and where they can build community. According to their Facebook page, they “weave yoga, art, and community together… with mindful movement, soul teacher trainings.”

The shop is filled with local treasures, hand-crafted works of art, jewelry, wellness and self-care items, and a great Boho Boutique filled with new, used, and upcycled clothing. To learn more about what Stemple-Trent and Yelk offer at the new business, visit the Facebook page, call 304-816-9172, or stop by the shop.

The shop is open Tuesdays through Fridays from 9 a.m. to 7 p.m. and Saturdays from 9 a.m. to noon. In-person classes offered throughout the week address relaxation, healing, mind and body wellness, self-care, and other areas assisting the whole person. Updates on class offerings are posted on the Facebook page.

Stemple-Trent and Yelk both have varied professional backgrounds and experiences, with Stemple-Trent being a master hair stylist for 15 years and a yoga instructor and Yelk being an RN.

During the welcome visit, the CVB presented a framed print of the Philippi Covered Bridge to Stemple-Trent and Yelk. The print is presented as a welcome gift and as an outward show of appreciation for the business choosing the Philippi area for its site. The CVB Board of Directors began this type of welcome visit in 2021 and has to date visited and welcomed nearly 30 businesses to Philippi.

Presenting the print to Mystic Threads & Movement were Ed Larry, Board member representing the BC Historical Museum on the Board; Tammy Stemple, Director of Philippi Main Street and Board secretary, representing Philippi Main Street on the Board; Karen Larry, president of the Philippi CVB, representing Adaland Mansion on the Board; Sarah Stemple-Trent, owner of Mystic Threads & Movement, and Amy Yelk of Amy’s Touch and business colleague of Stemple-Trent. Also present was Caleb Nolan, photographer for the event, who is an AmeriCorps member working with both the CVB and the BC Historical Museum.

The Philippi Convention & Visitors Bureau’s primary purpose, according to the WV law and the Philippi City Charter under which it operates, is to enhance the economic climate of Philippi by developing and promoting the tourist resources and convention attractions. The Board’s visits to local businesses have been