Bynum, NC – During her appearance at the Bynum Front Porch “Mill Town Yarns” event, Pam Smith, a beloved figure in Chatham County, North Carolina, shared her journey of resilience, love, and community over the past four decades. From her childhood in Eastern North Carolina to her entrepreneurial spirit in Pittsboro, Smith’s story is a testament to the power of belief, the importance of family, and the richness of local culture. As she reminisces about her life experiences, she invites us to reflect on the meaning of connection and the stories that shape our identities.
A Journey Through Time: Pam’s Early Years
Pam Smith’s roots run deep in North Carolina. Growing up in the eastern part of the state, her early experiences were shaped by the rich culture and traditions of the region. Her father, a Methodist preacher, instilled in her the values of community and compassion. “My daddy was a preacher, and he could sell anything,” Pam recalls with a chuckle, reflecting on her father’s charismatic ability to connect with people.
Pam’s upbringing was filled with the sounds of the ocean and the thrill of surfing. “I was fearless,” she says, reminiscing about strapping her surfboard to her car and racing to the beach as hurricanes approached. “I couldn’t get to the beach fast enough.” This adventurous spirit would follow her into adulthood, shaping her into the dynamic woman she is today.
Discovering Her Passion: From Social Work to Entrepreneurship
After attending East Carolina University, where she dabbled in campus radio as a disc jockey, Pam’s life took a pivotal turn when she met her husband, Snuffy. “He was talented, and he believed in me,” she says, emphasizing the importance of support in her life. Their partnership blossomed, leading to the birth of their first son, Jones Thomas Smith, in a home delivery that showcased their commitment to family and unconventional choices.
With a background in social work, Pam quickly realized the challenges of the profession. “It was a thankless job,” she admits, noting the ever-changing rules that made it difficult to effect real change. Instead of feeling defeated, she decided to channel her energy into a new venture: opening a thrift store. “I guess I’ll just have children,” she told her husband, who encouraged her to pursue her passion for vintage clothing.
In 1982, Pam opened Beggars and Choosers in Goldston, a store that would become a cornerstone of the community. “I could get on my bike and ride around town, leaving the store open,” she recalls fondly. Her natural gift for selling, honed from her father’s influence, quickly became apparent. “I realized I had a knack for it,” she says, underscoring the joy she found in connecting with customers.
The Move to Pittsboro: Building a Legacy
As her business flourished, Pam and Snuffy made the decision to relocate to Pittsboro, seeking a closer connection to the local colleges and a vibrant community. “I wanted to raise my boys in a small town,” she explains. The move allowed her to expand Beggars and Choosers, which became a beloved destination for vintage lovers and locals alike.
Over the course of 40 years, Pam has accumulated countless stories that reflect the rich tapestry of life in Chatham County. “Oh, the stories I could tell,” she muses, hinting at the myriad of experiences that have shaped her and her store. From heartwarming encounters to moments of cultural significance, each story weaves together the narrative of a community that has embraced her.
Community Connections: Heartfelt Stories from the Store
Pam’s store has been a hub of connection, bringing together people from all walks of life. She shares a poignant story of a young black woman who came into her shop with her baby. An elderly customer, unaware of the implications of her words, commented on the baby’s beauty in a way that could have been offensive. Pam was initially taken aback, but when she spoke to the young mother, she learned that the comment had been received as a compliment. “It was a reflection of the times she had come from,” Pam reflects, highlighting the complexity of race and community dynamics.
Another touching moment occurred when a customer brought in a large photograph of her father among a group of General Electric employees from 1940. Overwhelmed with emotion, she shared the significance of the image. “It’s your history, not mine,” Pam told her, emphasizing the importance of preserving personal stories and memories.
Pam also recalls a young man with PTSD who frequented her store. One day, after he was confronted about his behavior, the Pittsboro police chief took the time to connect with him through basketball, demonstrating the power of compassion and community in addressing mental health challenges.
The Power of Memories: Nostalgia and Connection
As Pam navigates through life’s ups and downs, she often reflects on the importance of memories and the emotional connections they evoke. A poignant moment arose when a customer opened a bottle of Old Spice in the store, instantly transported back to memories of her father. “It just brought back so many memories,” she said, illustrating how scent can evoke powerful emotions and connections to the past.
Pam’s stories are not just anecdotes; they represent the heart of a community that has shared joy, sorrow, and resilience. “Life doesn’t have to be in the fast lane,” she notes, recognizing that the richness of experience often lies in the simple moments of connection.
Embracing Change: A New Chapter Ahead
As Pam approaches her 80th birthday, she reflects on the changes in her life and the community around her. “I’m not as fearless as I used to be, but I think I’m getting some of that fearlessness back,” she shares with determination.