Shop Small, Shop Troy Series: Upstate of Mind

11 1st St, Troy, NY

Owner: Tim Fealey

How long have you been in business in Troy?

Tim is excited to be celebrating 10 years in business this year — a huge milestone for them. They’ve evolved in so many ways over the years, and hitting the 10-year mark is amazing. To celebrate, they're throwing a party next Friday, the 21st. It will also serve as the grand opening for their new storefront, which they moved into this summer.

What do you sell?

They create apparel and home goods that are inspired by Upstate New York. The holidays are always their favorite time of year — they get to meet the most people, have the best conversations, and it’s when the store really comes alive.

What item are you most excited to highlight this holiday season?

This year they're excited because they've got some new tools that allow them to make unique, limited-edition pieces. Some will be one-of-a-kind, others will be small-batch runs. They're focusing on very Troy-specific and Upstate-specific items: Christmas ornaments, specialty sweatshirts, and other limited-edition goods.

What makes Troy special to you?

"Troy is such a unique town. It has incredible history, beautiful architecture, and amazing diversity. The historic downtown district is stunning, and it feels great to be part of a community like this. One of our favorite things about running the shop is meeting customers, making new friends, and having conversations about what Upstate means to different people."

Why shop small this holiday season?

"Supporting small businesses supports your community. The people who run these shops live here, spend their money here, and help keep the local economy strong. It lifts everyone up and keeps towns like Troy — and other Upstate communities — thriving. It’s important to continue that cycle of support."