The Shady Lady owner Willis Somoya in her store at 112 Main St. in Damariscotta on March 16. Somoya moved The Shady Lady from Wiscasset to its original location in Damariscotta earlier this year. (Maia Zewert photo)
A lampshade and antique store has returned to Main Street, Damariscotta after opening in the same location 20 years ago.
Willis Somoya, of Jefferson, brought her business, The Shady Lady, back to 112 Main St. earlier this year.
“It’s absolutely fabulous to be back,” Somoya said. “This is the building it started in, so it’s like coming home.”
The store stayed in Damariscotta for a decade before moving to Main Street in Wiscasset.
In January, Somoya heard Seawicks Candle Co. had moved to Boothbay Harbor and the Damariscotta location was available again. Somoya contacted the owner to see if the space was available for rent.
“She said yes and I moved back,” Somoya said. “I couldn’t be happier.”
Although the building itself has undergone some minor changes, such as a fresh coat of paint on the walls, The Shady Lady has largely remained the same, Somoya said. The main focus continues to be creating custom lampshades for customers, a craft Somoya picked up 35 years ago.
“I took a course and everything bloomed from there,” Somoya said. “I was making them for around the house and someone suggested I start selling them at craft shows, so I did.”
The time necessary to create a custom lampshade varies based on a number of factors, including the shape of the frame and the shade’s fabric. Some shades can take a few days, while others can be completed in a number of hours, Somoya said.
“Each one is a little bit different,” Somoya said. “Everyday, ordinary lamps can take no time at all, but every once in awhile you can get one that is a little bit difficult.”
Somoya also rewires lamps and can make items into lamps. The store also has a selection of ready-made lamps and a collection of antiques.
“When I first opened, I realized I needed something to display the lamps on, which led to the creation of the antique side of the business,” Somoya said.
Somoya runs the business herself and has been assisted in the summer by Shirley Ussery for the past 15 years.
Somoya said she is thrilled to be back in Damariscotta and has received a warm welcome from customers.
“My favorite part of being back is seeing the people,” Somoya said. “There are people who have been coming in for years and years and following the store on Facebook. It’s just wonderful.”
The Shady Lady is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. on Saturday.
For more information, find The Shady Lady on Facebook.
