Car vs. Shop: Lexington Business Braces for Holiday Hustle After Crash
LEXINGTON, S.C. — The holiday season is just around the corner, and for one local business owner, a recent accident has thrown a wrench into the plans. Kelly Chaffins, the proud owner of Custom Framer, found herself in a tough situation after a car crashed into her shop early Wednesday morning. Talk about an unexpected wake-up call!
What Happened?
It was just after 4 a.m. when Kelly received the alarming news. “I got the call that there had been an accident, a car in the shop,” she explained. Living just down the road, she quickly jumped in her car to assess the situation. The sight of her beloved frame shop in disarray was a gut-wrenching moment for the entrepreneur.
Meanwhile, the Lexington Police were quick to respond, notifying the community via social media about the incident. They reported that the driver, a 19-year-old, was reportedly intoxicated and subsequently crashed into the building. Thankfully, the driver was taken to the hospital and will soon face charges for driving under the influence, which serves as a pointed reminder about the dangers of impaired driving.
The Aftermath
Back at the Custom Framer, things were far from festive. Kelly’s heart sank as she saw the damage. Parts of North Lake Drive and North Church Drive had to be closed off for about 45 minutes while first responders tended to the scene. Understandably, this was far from the bustling atmosphere she usually experiences at this time of year.
As a small business owner, this incident couldn’t have come at a worse time. With the holiday season around the corner, Kelly’s initial focus shifted to getting her shop up and running as swiftly as possible. “It’s right at Christmas time, and this should be my busy time,” she lamented. “So just getting things cleaned up and back to where I can have my customers get in here and get my work done for them.”
Plans for Recovery
Despite the unfortunate circumstances, Kelly remains hopeful. She’s aiming to have the cleanup and repairs finished by this weekend. “I hope to get everything cleaned up probably by this weekend. Get everything boarded up; I know it is going to start getting cold out,” she stated with determination.
After all, Kelly isn’t facing this challenge alone. “It’ll probably take a while to get back on track, but God is with me, and we will get through this,” she said. It’s heartwarming to see the community rally around her. “I have a lot of friends that will help me,” she added, appreciating the support from her network.
A Community Effort
Kelly’s story is a poignant reminder of the resilience of small business owners, especially in trying times. The holiday hustle may be momentarily interrupted, but the spirit of togetherness and support in Lexington shines brightly. With friends and family at her side, Kelly is prepared to tackle the cleanup and emerge even stronger.
So, if you’re in the area, keep an eye out for Kelly and her Custom Framer shop. After facing this unexpected detour, she’s excited to get back to serving her customers and making holiday memories with beautifully crafted frames. Here’s hoping for a swift recovery and a bustling holiday season ahead!
