Like most couples, Chuck and Teresa Rusk had their retirement plans set. Chuck was a machinist and Teresa worked as a secretary in a school. They raised two children: Charlie and Joanna. Like many retirees, they loaded up their necessary items and headed off in a motorhome to experience the freedom of retirement. They enjoyed their journeys, life, and their newfound friendships as they traveled about the country. After five years of the RV lifestyle, they decided to assist more with the grandkids, so they folded the maps and parked the RV. 

Teresa and Chuck enjoy repurposing items that some people might see as junk, and Chuck has the unique ability to fix about anything. I believe Chuck views some projects as a worthy challenge and Teresa seems to see art in unlikely places. Together they make quite a team, repairing and re-purposing what they find.

Their largest project was the building that their son (Charlie) introduced them to in February of 2020 just before COVID changed our lives forever. The building located at 935 N. 2nd Street in Chillicothe was in desperate need of repairs. Through hard work and determination, they emptied the building to find more structural problems than they had expected. The floor joists were bad and with the help of their son, they removed the floor and pumped countless tons of sand in the building to help level the space before pouring a new concrete floor. The walls were stripped, plumbing and wiring were replaced, and new heating and air conditioning was installed. They basically built a new building inside of an old shell.

With the construction completed, they started a new boutique called “The Tin Top.” This boutique is a venue that helps artists who many times don’t have a way to market their products. Teresa said she didn’t have any desire to own a boutique, it just happened. When asked, she said that she’ll keep the shop open for as long as it brings her a smile. This unique shop works with mostly local artists who produce amazing one-of-a-kind art. The art that does come from other countries are considered “Fair Trade Products.” This means that the artists creating the art are paid a fair wage and not working in sweatshops.

It’s obvious when walking through the shop that Teresa enjoys and appreciates the talents of the artists. She walks through the boutique and explains each piece of art as if she proudly produced it herself. The beautiful wood, tin, and fabric art pieces are all creatively assembled and presented in ways foreign to those less artistic. 

You owe it to yourself and your loved ones to stop by and visit The Tin Top. Let Teresa show you around. You’ll be amazed at the different varieties of art she has, and you’ll be impressed with the building. It’s the local people that help to make Chillicothe special and Chuck and Teresa are good examples to live up to. They and their family have done long-lasting benefits to this town, and I hope all of you remember to shop local to help support those willing to risk opening a business in our community.