The downtown area of Manning was full of holiday bustle and cheer July 28th with the Christmas in July Open House, but one business owner had a special reason to celebrate: Owner of Puzzle Me Pieces and The Clumsy Frog, Angela Radcliffe, had her ribbon cutting for both businesses that evening. Radcliffe moved to Manning to be closer to her in-laws after living in St. Stephens for several years. She was a volunteer firefighter for the small town and is already making herself at home as a registered Recruit for the Clarendon County Fire Rescue team.
Radcliffe first opened Puzzle Me Pieces, a vintage and antique variety store, with her stepmother in St. Stephens. It was there that they ministered to the community through providing items for fire victims, the homeless community, and pregnant teenagers. Her stepmother was her best friend, so it made sense to become business partners. As a volunteer firefighter, the hardest call she received was the one saying her stepmother had passed away. She decided to keep the legacy of the store going, but this time in a new location and closer to her husband’s family.
“Life is like a puzzle and the pieces are coming together,” said Radcliffe when asked about the name of her business.
Radcliffe opened the doors of Puzzle Me Pieces in Manning March 1st, 2021. She enjoys rearranging the store to look different each week with new treasures she has found and giving people a chance to step back in time as they browse. Recently, the space next door became available, and she decided to open The Clumsy Frog which is an indoor vendor market. The large aisle running the length of the building is handicap accessible, as well as the back parking lot for entrance, and allows shoppers enough room to navigate each booth. Vendors can rent a space for $150 each month and Radcliffe takes care of the marketing and selling of items for them. This allows people to supplement their income or is a source of fulltime income.
Radcliffe is no stranger to hard times, as she herself has experienced many ups and downs. She was diagnosed recently with a brain disease which has led to several brain surgeries and another coming up soon. She is determined to continue to help the community as long as she is able, both through her stores and through being a volunteer with CCFR.
With a heart for the elderly, Radcliffe strives to make her stores welcoming. She has had several visitors stop by to sit on the couch and tell their story. One in particular had just moved to the area and needed furniture for his home. Radcliffe wasted no time in getting everything he needed, from living room furniture to a bedroom suit she had in stock, at no cost to him.
“My motto is: ‘No one is forgotten; everyone is remembered,’” said Radcliffe.
To learn more about renting a booth at The Clumsy Frog or to take a trip back in time with vintage décor, stop by Puzzle Me Pieces in downtown Manning. Both businesses can be found on social media outlets as well. The Manning Times welcomes Radcliffe and her heart for community to Manning.
