Somerset Borough: New business on the diamond adds custom artistic flair

SOMERSET — My Asylum, a locally owned small business that’s custom-engraved designs, moved into the storefront on the corner of the historic Newberry Building at 109 W. Main St. in the borough's uptown.

Once there the owner, Erika Taylor, and her husband, Cory Taylor, of Rockwood, reimagined the "dated interior" and laid out a new design.

Cory, a local contractor, supported his wife’s visions, removing a cosmetic half wall, adding new flooring and paint and repairing the front doors from the diamond.

The interior now is almost unrecognizable from the primitive country design of its past, accommodating a workspace for laser cutting and a showroom for designs.

Other: Mountain Playhouse still looking for a home in Somerset County, but the show must go on

Erika, who up to now has mainly worked with other businesses, has expanded her business by making "eclectic and meaningful designs available for the public." She has also invited other artisans to partner with her and display their work, including homemade chocolates.

My Asylum will feature designed items that can be bought on the spot, the ability to consult for custom visions and will offer a variety of retail items from selected partners ranging from clothing designs to maple syrup, she said.

One of her projects, laser-cut maple leaves in various colors (many made for the Pennsylvania Maple Festival held in Meyersdale, April 20-21, 24-28) and cut glass items dangle from her ceiling and fill her homemade shelves.

Erika can custom engrave on several surfaces including glass, leather, wood and plastic. She’s designed specialty items for weddings, baby showers, corporate events and personalized gifts.

Why the location, name?

The Taylors enjoyed attending uptown festivals and felt it was a good location to grow the business.

Why: Setting up for Fire & Ice: It is all about Somerset countians volunteers, community

"Erika Taylor has been working incredibly hard to launch her startup business in Uptown Somerset," said Regina Coughenour, executive director, Somerset Inc. "Her space is transformed. She's working with Startup Alleghenies, and she was just awarded a rent abatement grant from Somerset Inc."

Erika said she is thankful for all the support.

The name of the shop, My Asylum, came about because it “is what this really is to me," Erika said. "I’m an artist and this is my asylum - my place to let my creativity run wild, and I hope it inspires others, too.”

She is looking forward to sharing with everyone.

Erika has explored her artistic side since she started drawing as a young child. She learned how to cut glass from a friend who owned a glass shop and he taught her how to do it. Now there are cut glass items throughout her shop. Erika also has antique glassware. Incorporating laser cutting in her work began two years ago when she encountered a laser machine. In fact, she was working on a sign using that technique that will hang outside the business a few days before the planned ribbon-cutting event for her business venture.

Her youngest son, Hunter, who is 16 and goes to Rockwood schools, had dropped in to help her after school and before he headed to his part-time job.

"I think it is great that my mom finally gets to do what she wants and that she helps others get their crafts out there," he said. "I used to go around with her when she was doing the glass festivals and it is nice to see her start her business."

He specifically mentioned the chocolates in My Asylum.

Hunter said it inspires him to see what his mother has done, making a dream reality.

Both of his older brothers, Kyle and Zain, are in the U.S. Marines, Kyle is stationed in Japan and Zain in North Carolina, which is something Hunter is contemplating when he graduates from high school. The Taylors are families of Marines, Erika said.

As for JoJo, the business' mascot, well, there are several furry friends to play with that the Taylors rescued over the years. In fact, Erika may be bringing another furry friend from time to time to help out at the business.

Opening

At 1 p.m. Friday, My Asylum will have its official ribbon cutting followed by a grand opening weekend celebration. The business will be open until 6 p.m.

This article originally appeared on The Daily American: Somerset business on the diamond adds custom artistic flair