SALEM, Ohio – As a former homeschooling parent following the Charlotte Mason philosophy of nature study and great literature, Tricia Ross believes these are the things that help us grow and make us resilient.
When she and her five children were affected by violence in Columbus and needed a new start, she returned to her roots in Columbiana County. And she turned to what she knew and loved the most and founded the Nature + Nurture bookstore in downtown Salem.
“This whole time my kids and I were still reading together and doing these things, and I realized it built resiliency in us. It bonded us and it healed us,” Ross said. “And that’s what resonated with people when they come in. I’ve just met the most amazing people. My customers are great.”
Ross, who thought about going into art therapy, said some customers have described her shop as “therapeutic,” “calming” and “an escape.” For others, it’s just a convenient place to buy a book or a gift, which she said is fine as well.
The store is laid out in sections of interests, mostly tied to the natural world, nature journaling and books that invite families to experience life outdoors together. For example, there are books and toys related to owls, fishing, bugs and camping, as well as illustrated copies of “The Hobbit,” “Little House on the Prairie” and “The Secret Garden.”
Ross, who first started the business first as a mail order bookstore providing the resources for other homeschooling parents, likes to include a little thank you in her shipments with a quote from poet Mary Oliver – “Instructions for living a life. Pay attention. Be astonished. Tell about it.”
Ross said journaling, especially nature journaling, is about being observant to the world around us. It is where art and science meet.
“Every poet is a naturalist, and every naturalist is a poet,” Ross said, adding that she had varied interests growing up.
She pairs her books with toys and other items to promote play and families doing things together.
Salem Councilwoman Sara Baer said she met Ross when she sold her items from a small section in a side room of A Touch of Gracious Living, a floral shop downtown. Both women shared a love of art and books.
“She had an amazing collection of books and reproduction paintings that resonated with my childhood experiences,” Baer said, adding that the books brought her back to her own childhood and she immediately was compelled to buy baskets of books and gifts for her nieces and goddaughter for Easter.
Ross celebrated three years at the store’s current location, 515 E. State St., on Small Business Saturday in November.
To Baer, the items she purchases at the store promote a foundation for the study of nature and a future love of reading for children. She is excited to see a recent addition – a natural toy collection.
The items in the store are always expanding as Ross discovers more items that speak to her and that she knows her customers will love. She has resources for mental health, nature-inspired greeting cards, crafting items and even perfume.
“So while her shop has expanded for us, I know that it encapsulates all of her experience raising children, loving literature, loving nature,” Baer said. “And we get to see more of that with every season that she’s open and shares that experience with us.”
As Ross meets people with similar interests, she adds to the store. There is a section on fishing, mostly because a fly-fishing enthusiast frequents the store and even has hosted classes about the activity through her store.
Likewise, a friend involved in foraging prompted additional books and events based around her interests.
“I’ve decided it’s my memoir,” Ross said. “The whole store is everything I’ve always read and loved and done or am interested in. And I think that’s how it is for most people’s bookstores. I’ve found it’s a reflection of themselves. It can’t be all things to all people.”
During the Salem Alumni Reunion the past two years, Ross has invited local makers to set up on the sidewalk in front of her store. Baer said the connection between Ross and local makers provides the community with a unique opportunity to meet creative and entrepreneurial adults and children.
“[Children] are so creative, and then their talent and execution is wonderful,” Baer said. “And then seeing them get out and interact with the public and use the skills that they’re learning in school is very meaningful to me. I like to see a well-rounded kid.”
Baer said seasonal window displays are another way the Nature + Nurture store stands out. Ross collaborates with local artists, flower growers and carpenters to help her create something special and unique.
Ross said people she knew from the community, fellow homeschooling parents and a group of violence survivor sisters have supported her from the beginning. Some of the support has been emotional, and some has been financial. Supporters even volunteered to build bookshelves for the store.
Ross is amazed customers have gone out of their way to come to her store to shop.
“I do like to get to know my customers and their stories,” Ross said. “And I just get wonderful people in here. It attracts the best people – nature lovers, families, homeschoolers.”
Every item sold in the store is also available online. Ross has shipped items to at least 32 states and around the world.
Pictured at top: Tricia Ross, owner of Nature + Nurture in Salem.