About

On The Wings of Dreams

On the Wings of Dreams is located at 139 West German Street in historic Shepherdstown, WV. Only 90 minutes from Washington D.C. and Baltimore, Shepherdstown is a wonderful day trip that offers an eclectic variety of shops and restaurants. Near-by attractions include Harper’s Ferry National Historic Park, Antietam Battlefield National Park, the C&O Canal National Park, The Appalachian Trail, hiking, biking, and great country inns.

Telephone: (304) 876-0244

We are open seven days a week,

Monday - Friday
11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Saturday
10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.
Sunday
11:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

Mailing Address:

P.O. Box 1433
Shepherdstown, WV 25443

Shipping Address:

139 West German Street
Shepherdstown, WV 25443

How This All Came to Be

On the Wings of Dreams was originally opened in 1999, the result of a dream and vision of its founder, Roni LaVache of Shepherdstown. Sometime during the year 2000 I became an avid customer of Roni’s, seeking out the shop whenever I felt the need to soak up the warmth and energy it — and she — exuded. Roni expressed the desire to sell her shop in 2002 with the intent to retire and follow her second dream to become a writer. I jumped at the opportunity, but with no small amount of fear. Making this leap would involve leaving a 20 year career as a Safety and Environmental specialist for a manufacturing corporation. But I asked Spirit for guidance and doors started to open, leading me to follow a dramatically new course. With encouragement and support from friends and family my husband Jeff and I purchased the shop in January 2003. Since that time, the dream has been realized beyond anything we thought possible.

We continue to work the great energy of this shop, something that can’t possibly be described without experiencing it for yourself. It’s peaceful, it’s calming, it’s inspiring and refreshing. Every day I now see folks like me who come to the shop just to soak up the vibrations, to heal and revitalize. The shop continues to evolve, expanding it’s community through regular workshops, and now through this web site.

Many, many thanks are due to so many people who’ve made this whole journey possible.

First and foremost, my husband Jeff for believing in me and my dream. For being my “rock,” my guide and of course, the financial guru of the business. Speaking of “rocks,” hunny, thanks so much for also being my official Pack Mule, carrier of stones from hither to yon during our buying trips, going above and beyond the call of duty and asking only for food and wine in return. ILMMVVVM!

To my Mother, Jo Waddell, who gave me strength and independence through her example. Thanks for being just as scared as we were to start this venture, Mom, and for sharing with us your pride as we watch the dream continue to unfold.

To my kids, Kelly and Ryan, for knowing now that Mom’s really not THAT crazy. Thanks Kelly for your loving support, for polishing the rings (her favorite task) and for trying each one on to make sure it looks good. Thanks Ryan for your muscle, for helping move the heavy stuff and for being there when I need you. You both make me so proud, and I love you more than life itself.

To Teri Nolan, whose spiritual insight kept nudging me forward saying, “You can do it! The path’s RIGHT THERE! Go for it!!” Tarot Goddess extraordinaire, writer, journaler, photographer, and best buddy in spirit for a full decade now, your continuing support for the shop reigns supreme. It just wouldn’t be the same without my daily Tee. Thank you.

To Cheryl O’Brien. If it wasn’t for On the Wings of Dreams, we’d never have known how much we have in common. We found the shop during lunch breaks from classes at Shepherd College. Thanks for your inspiration to make this thing happen, thanks for all your dedication and help in the shop on busy days, thanks for being the one to officially name this “The Little Shop of Laura’s.” Thanks, my Chervyl, for being my friend.

So many thanks to Kathleen and Breighton Dawe for bringing their amazing talents into the shop through numerous workshops over the past two years. I can’t begin to describe how it feels to see every day how much your inspiration has positively affected this community. Sweet blessings and deepest gratitude.

To the many friends of the shop and customers, thank you for sharing this beautiful experience. Thanks for helping us grow. May the gifts you take from here help you to go forward and do good work in light and love, for the benefit of all beings. Namaste.

An extra, extra special thank you to the best gang of hard working souls ever to grace a little shop like ours: Sweet Sarah, Dah-ling Dabney, Totally Terrific Terri, Awesome Ana, Nifty Nick, Lovely Ilana, Delightful Donna, Magnificant Michael, Heavenly Holly, Herbivescent Herb and Luscious Little Levonne. We cannot express enough how very much we appreciate your dedication to helping us fly high in heart and spirit, On the Wings of Dreams.

Brightest Blessings,

Laura