Since opening in 2010, the Republic of Floyd Emporium, located in the heart of downtown Floyd, has provided visitors and locals with a wide selection of essentials, including gifts, gourmet snack foods, fine wines, imported and craft beer, and more. The emporium now finds itself with new ownership in 2024.
Not a country or a new political party, The Republic of Floyd Emporium was the brainchild of Thomas Cole Stone Ryan, a satire writer, weekend bartender, music event promoter, art agent, and businessman. Tom had a larger-than-life personality and a tremendous sense of humor. He, along with local artists, created a distinctive line of Floyd-inspired apparel, hats, prints, glassware, and other merchandise that stands the test of time!
After Tom’s unexpected passing in early 2013, a group of Floyd folks jumped in and bought the store from Tom’s estate, collectively owning it and protecting his legacy until fate brought a new owner. That group included Will Griffin, Chris Bond, Kerry Underwood, Martha Taylor, Lester Gillespie, Sam & Dottie Moore, Jim Newlin, and Dan Sweeney. The current ownership owes the group a deep debt of gratitude for saving the store. More recognition and thanks go to the long-time store manager, Connie Colloca. Connie was hired in 2011; she was a significant asset to Tom and did a fantastic job running the store. After Connie retired in 2024, the group decided to search for a new owner.
In August of 2024, the group found that new owner in Terri Tishman. Terri was born and raised in Richmond and started her career as an administrative assistant, working for lawyers and, eventually, the Attorney General’s office. When Terri met her future husband, John Layman, in 1988, they went off to California to pursue a shared passion for natural foods. They spent the next 10 years in the Bay Area, working in the natural food industry. In 1999, Terri returned to administrative work at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg after being a stay-at-home mom to two young sons. The family moved to Floyd in 2000. After arriving in Floyd, Terri spent 20 years working for Across-the-Way Productions, the parent company to FloydFest, and at the Harvest Moon Food Store.
Terri’s first involvement with The Republic of Floyd came when Tom Ryan hired her to work his booth at FloydFest. Tom Phelps Pottery and The Republic of Floyd were booths #1 and #2 in the main stage field in those early years! Terri joined Connie and her team in December of 2022 as a part-time cashier. She was just getting to know Tom when he suddenly passed away, and she will always treasure her autographed copy of the Floyd Dysfunctional Family Cookbook, which simply said, “Call me when you leave your husband!”
She loved her job at the Republic of Floyd and, therefore, jumped at the offer to become the proud owner of the downtown establishment. It is truly a perfect fit for Terri as she enters her 60th year. Those who know Terri know that she loves people, humor, storytelling, and enjoying life. Terri’s vision for the store is not unlike other entrepreneurs’: to keep the lights on and turn a profit. The team intends to continue to provide the best wine, beer, gourmet snacks, and locally made goods. They are also working to expand their popular Floyd-inspired branded items while focusing on continuing to serve the community’s needs and offering exceptional customer service.
There are always challenges for any business or business owner, and the Republic of Floyd or Terri is no exception. However, a great business owner knows their limitations and involves others who complement their strengths and weaknesses. That is precisely what Terri has done; she hired Pamela Pinto-Sessions to serve as the marketing manager. Pamela has already renewed the store’s presence on Facebook and is bringing her knowledge and love of wine to the role. She fits in well on the team!
The question often heard most at the store is, “What is the Republic of Floyd?” After careful deliberation over some frosty beverages, Tom concocted this fabrication and hoped it would suffice until he could elucidate a more disingenuous reply.
Tom said, “The Republic of Floyd is merely a loose confederation of underemployed artists and wannabe entrepreneurs that banded together in the current space/time continuum to turn a buck doing as little as possible. From time to time, a few of us help out at Floyd Fest, host musical events and art shows, cook food for the masses, and volunteer time to local fundraising projects. But for the most part, we drink coffee, wine, and beer and discuss all the things we’d accomplish if we only had the modicum of ambition. And this, folks, is where you come in, that hard-earned money you’re squandering on mortgages and retirement… let it go as the Buddha advises… spend it here. Your support and continued hard work will allow us to keep living the dream.”
Tom’s spirit is ever present as a reminder to never to forget why the store is kept open. The Republic of Floyd Emporium is open Tuesday through Saturday from 11 am to 6 pm and Sundays from 12 pm to 4 pm. Contact them at: 540-745-2898 or republicoffloyd@gmail.com