One of the first Dresden & Company parties was thrown on August 5 at the Bonnie Longaberger Senior Center in Dresden. Proceeds from the evening were donated to the senior center by hostess and one of the founding D&Co proprietors, Tammy Delancey.
On July 5, Dresden & Company made the news public that they would be putting local longtime weavers back to work doing what they love…making baskets. Since sales opened on July 15, at least 150 independent proprietors have jumped on board to sell products for the boutique-sized, locally owned Direct Sales business.
Ali Prince-Bendure is among those that became founding proprietors. “When D&Co came out publically, I knew my heart wanted to be a part of it,” said Ali. Dresden is “home” for Ali. She was born and raised there and now lives in the same house she grew up in with her husband and two children. Both of Ali’s parents worked for Longaberger during her childhood so the area’s basket making heritage has been a huge part of her life. “I am grateful for the life I have had because of it,” added Ali. “I would love for my children to grow up just as I did, and with the new company that is very much a possibility! So joining D&Co was a no brainer for me.”
Baskets have also played a large role in Tammy’s life. She helped her mom with Longaberger parties and orders for 27 years until her mom fell ill in 2007. Tammy decided to continue and become a consultant herself which she enjoyed for 12 years. She and her husband, Darron, own and operate Humble Heart in Dresden as well as a couple of other stores including one at the Colony Square Mall in Zanesville (Homespun Treasures). In the future, Tammy plans to add D&Co products to her store’s inventory. Basket liners custom made to perfectly fit the unique shape of D&Co baskets will be available at Humble Heart soon. Joining Dresden and Company as a proprietor was an easy decision for Tammy just as it was for Ali. “Jim Lepi (D&Co Founder) supports the community and always gives to the community,” said Tammy. I signed up “Because it was Jim”.
The beautifully hand-woven 1919 Basket is Tammy’s favorite out of the current collection. But baskets are not the only items available through D&Co. Their line of products includes exclusive pottery made in Zanesville, Ohio, a selection of tasty gourmet jams, dips, seasonings and spreads, braided bins, and some quality and thoughtfully designed kitchen essentials for hosting company.
When coming to Dresden you don’t have to look far to see D&Co products for yourself. Their Welcome Center is located at 610 Main Street in Dresden and just a few blocks down the street you can see weavers hard at work through the window at 305 Main Street during the week.
Both Tammy and Ali can be found through the D&Co website, dresdenandcompany.com
Direct links for shopping.
Tammy: https://dresdenandcompany.com/?u=tammydelancey
Ali: https://dresdenandcompany.com/?u=alipbendure
Main photo caption: Tammy Delancey shows new Dresden and Company collection during one of the first D&Co parties held by a proprietor. [Lynette Dotson, Dresden Buzz]
