Taylor Made Designs features unique Opelika jewelry, decor
By Anna-Claire Terry
Staff Reporter
Photo by Robert Noles
After 25 years of business, Lynn Bradakis, owner of Taylor Made Designs, located at 120 S. Eighth St., has enjoyed watching the growth downtown Opelika has experienced over the years. I love being a small business owner, and everyone here likes to shop local,” Bradakis said.
Bradakis started off making clay products. The former art major’s creative side took the lead and developed enough products to fill a store. A unique aspect of Taylor Made Designs is that the majority of the products are original handmade designs. The focus is on the custom Auburn University designs and the new “Local Love” designs. The new line features maps of towns near and dear to customers’ hearts and can be purchased in the form of bracelets or keychains. Another popular design in the store is the line of Opelika products. There is a design with the historic lamp post and designs depicting all of the major Opelika landmarks. These products include mugs, hats, shot glasses, pillows, canvas bags and T-shirts. “Everything features Opelika, and it isn’t just tourists who come in and buy these products,” Bradakis said. “They are very popular among the locals.”
Bradakis has some help handling her growing business. Her daughter and part of the store’s namesake, Taylor Sumrall, works as the manager while Bradakis works on her designs in her studio at home.
Bradakis and Sumrall have plans to continue introducing new collections, keep everything current and trendy and allow the business to steadily grow.
“The best thing about being a business owner here is everyone in Opelika looks out for each other. It feels like Maberry, but you get benefits from being so close to a college town,” Bradakis said.
To see products and learn more, visit TaylorMadeOpelika.com.