WINSTON-SALEM, N.C. — If you walk into Cookie’s Shabbytiques in Winston-Salem, you’re in for a treat.
Over 40 years of American-made items sprawled in a 100-year-old building, all collected by the curator herself; Cookie.
"I know a lot of people ask me about it, but that’s why I say 'Cookie is it.' Everybody loves cookies," proclaimed shop owner, Cookie.
And apparently, that distinction caught the eye of someone in particular.
"I looked up and I said, 'You've not been in before, but I recognize your face, I know you're someone!'. She said, 'Yes', and I said, 'Well, what is your name?'. She said, 'Brooke', and I replied, 'Shields?!'", Cookie recounted.
Brooke Shields and her daughter, Rowan, made a surprise stop at Cookie’s vintage shop.
"It was a shock a little later on, but when she first came in, she was a customer! And I kept speaking with her and talking with her," said Cookie.
Cookie is proud that someone as notable as Shields made the trek to her shop – and it’s a testament to the longevity and mission of Shabbytiques.
"When we moved in here nobody was around us doing anything like what we were doing – and so I've seen it evolve on its own. I'm a provider. I'm just providing a place for people to come and, especially if you like old American stuff, to come and view it and possibly take something home," said Cookie.
When it comes down to it though, she’s hopeful this will continue to shine a light on an expanding Winston-Salem.
"To me, this picture brings a focus to our city, that it's growing," Cookie said.
Shabbytiques is open from Thursday to Sunday in Winston-Salem, NC.