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Feature Story : Sol's Inspirational Showroom
Sol’s Inspirational Showroom’s uplifting message of hope derived through difficult times By Dave Mast “That is why, for Christ’s sake, I delight in weaknesses, in insults, in hardships, in persecutions, in difficulties. For when I am weak, then I am strong.” — II Corinthians 12:10 Several years ago, Daniel Mast endured some extremely difficult family situations. The path he chose to follow for his life during that time could have led him in many directions, but his faith while enduring those hardships, much like the Apostle Paul wrote in II Corinthians, brought him to where he is today. Instead of wallowing in sorrow, Mast chose to walk in faith, and in doing so he is helping to bring joy and good news to all who visit Sol’s Inspirational Showroom in Berlin. “I have made it my goal to be an encouragement to as many people as possible by providing an inspirational showroom,” said Mast. The driving force behind Mast’s decision to design a large store featuring items which would inspire people was based on his difficult times, and the abundance of encouragement he received while going through that period. Rather than let sorrow and sadness drag him down, he chose to focus his attention on others. Out of his dedication to serving God in this way, Mast created a store, which offers beautiful collections of home decor gifts, which offer hope, peace and love. The store actually started as a tiny 2-by-4-foot space in Sol’s of Berlin, where Mast began carrying some handmade crafts, doing it mainly as a hobby to get him through his discouraging times. He was later prompted to rent out a small portion of the basement, which stood empty. In November 2003, he began renting more space downstairs. By September 2004, his store had become so popular he was renting two-thirds of the entire basement, being encouraged by a call from Peter Dunn, owner of P. Graham Dunn, one of the premier inspirational wood design companies in the nation, who wanted Mast to carry their products. For the past two years, Sol’s Inspirational Showroom has taken over the entire basement, and now offers a massive line of uplifting merchandise. Nearly half of his store is dedicated to the fine work of P. Graham Dunn, and that incredible collection of woodworking. With more than 1,000 different pieces of P. Graham Dunn products on display, Mast can offer almost anything the company makes. In addition, Mast has the capability of personalizing any of the intricate wood pieces, making them even more precious to the purchaser. “By being able to personalize items, I’m able to make something that is already meaningful to someone even more special,” said Mast. “By adding a name or a message, it becomes very personal to both the people who are giving a gift and those receiving it.” Sol’s Inspirational Showroom also carries “Painter of Light” Thomas Kinkade products, plus a large selection of children’s toys, wallhangings, books, framed paintings, photo frames, and even has a series of hand-painted turkey feathers created by an Amish artist, with intricate designs and scenes which must be seen to be believed. The selection of unique merchandise is vast. Tack on the ability to personalize it, and the possibilities of finding and creating a personal, highly treasured memory become nearly endless. “I truly believe that there is no store like this in the area,” said Mast. “It’s uplifting, beautiful and by personalizing items, it is very sentimental. I love being able to help create lasting memories for people. When you create a product for someone that is meaningful, you offer them something that they can cherish forever.” It has taken Mast more than three years to bring the store to its full capacity. Now the focus is on improving and continuing to upgrade the present inventory and make improvements where needed. With hundreds of quality items between $2 and $10, it makes for something affordable for everyone. When Mast began his life as an inspirational businessman, he admits that he knew little about much of what he does now. But through his faith, hard work and diligence, he is happier than he has ever been. He has put his trust in God, and God has provided a path in which he has found peace, joy and been able to offer that to others as well. “I think I’m just getting started, and I’m very excited about life, and the future it brings. What brings me the greatest satisfaction in life today is what people can take with them from my store,” said Mast, referring not just to the beautiful items he sells to them, but the feeling of peace and inspiration that the store instills in people. “By bringing joy and inspiration into people’s lives, I get joy in return, and that is the greatest accomplishment I could possibly attain. My main goal now is to bring the Word of God, radiate the Spirit of God and be an encouragement to as many people as possible. That is the greatest motivation for me. Life just keeps getting better.” Sol’s Inspirational Showroom is located in the basement of Sol’s In Berlin below Kit-N-Kaboodle by Sol’s, at 4914 W. Main St. Hours are from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., and Mast may be reached by calling 330-893-3100 or VM 888-488-1383. |
Address: 4914 West Main Street Berlin, OH 44610 888-488-1383 VM Visit Us: M - Sat 10am - 5pm
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