Couple pairs their passions with new businesses

WADESBORO — Two new businesses celebrated their official openings this month with the cutting of yarn, not ribbon.

Studio 256 and Mati Clubs Anson County — one a yarn studio and knitting supply store, the other a karate dojo — are businesses you wouldn’t expect to be connected. Heather and Derrick Edwards are co-owners of the stores and both instructors in their fields.

From Charlotte, they came up with the store idea when bringing their son, Garrett, to karate classes. Edwards said she would sit outside the class with yarn, and the other parents would sit outside and join her. It caught on, and they would all talk about yarn and what they were working on. The couple then decided to merge this peaceful activity with karate classes of their own since they paired so well together for them and the other parents.

The store will sell knitting supplies and offer classes on how to crochet. Studio 256 is only the entrance to the store. Following through the rest of the store will lead you to a world-class karate dojo school.

Parents can drop their kids off at karate and then learn how to crochet, and “it’s not just a girls’ thing,” the Edwards say. Everyone can learn how to knit or crochet and — even learn karate too while they are at it —if they give it a shot.

“They are truly investing in Wadesboro. They are building a house just outside of Wadesboro on the outskirts and were looking at other store buildings, but they wanted to be in uptown,” said Shelby Emrich, President of the Anson County Chamber of Commerce. “They have some great ideas and are committed to investing in Wadesboro.”

For more on Studio 256 and Mati Clubs Anson County, check them out on 103 N. Rutherford St. or call them at (704) 507-1160 and (704) 201-2658 respectively.