How Tim Matthews Became an Original...and How I'm Becoming One Too

Tim Matthews (far right), with his wife, Rose Matthews (far left), and their grandson, Rylan (middle), at the doors of Cotton Row.

Who do you think of when the word "original" comes to mind? Do you think of your favorite athlete, known for his or her home runs or impeccable free throws? Or do you think of your favorite musician, known for his or her lyricism or ability to make melodies tell a story?

Now--think of someone you know personally. Who comes to mind? When I hear the word "original," I automatically think of my great uncle, Tim Matthews. Tim owns Cotton Row, an antique shop in Erwin, NC, filled with everything from home decor to jewelry to instruments. However, Cotton Row is unique compared to other antique shops.

With Cotton Row, Tim has approximately 40 vendors who pay a monthly fee to own a booth in the store. Instead of having items scattered across the store, each vendor has a booth that has a different feel and theme. Tim makes his profit from each vendor's monthly fee, plus a percentage of each vendor's sales.

In my interview with my uncle Tim, I discovered not only how Cotton Row came to fruition, but the following aspects which made Tim become an original:

One of my favorite vendor booths at Cotton Row which features guitars, ukuleles, and an organ.

He decided to follow his passion.

When I asked Tim how Cotton Row started, he jokingly said he wanted to "get out of hard work." He followed by telling me about how he owned an engine repair business, then pivoted into owning a hardwood flooring business. While he enjoyed his time in the hardwood flooring business, it started to become physically demanding for him. Tim has always had a passion for collecting antique items, and he knew that he wanted to bring his passion into his vocation.

He believed in timing.

In "Originals" by Adam Grant, Grant emphasizes that many entrepreneurs often rush into executing their idea, thus leading others to identify problems with the business and create a better and more effective business. With this in mind, I asked Tim when he realized he wanted to start Cotton Row. I was surprised when he revealed that he had the idea for the store 2 years before he opened Cotton Row. When he initially had the idea to start Cotton Row in 2015, he knew he did not have the time to dedicate to pursuing his dream since caring for his late mother took up most of his time. However, once he found his ideal storefront, he knew it was the right time to pursue his passion.

He manifested his dream and continues to do so.

When I asked Tim why he decided to start a business in Erwin, Tim regarded the building as, "exactly what I envisioned." As someone who has lived in Erwin almost my entire life, I was surprised that Tim saw a location in the heart of a quaint, rural town, formerly known as the "denim capital of the world," as an ideal spot for a business. However, Tim knew the building was meant to be his. He called himself a "visionary" during our conversation, and said, "I'm a believer in destiny. I'm a big dreamer. When I dream it, I try to live it."

Cotton Row is located at 105 East H Street, Erwin, NC.

Now that you have read about how my uncle Tim embodies what it means to be an original, you may be thinking the following:

"Geena, how are you trying to become an original?"

The answer is quite simple--I am discovering who I am destined to be. I know that I have passions in different areas such as social media, music, and helping others. As a junior Business Administration major at Campbell University, I realize that I am closer to graduating as each day passes and that I will soon embark on a new chapter of life. Although I do not know what that next chapter of life will hold, I know that I must pursue my passions, just as my uncle Tim has done.

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I would like to thank my great uncle, Tim Matthews, for allowing me to interview him. I encourage everyone to go check out Cotton Row if you are ever in Erwin.