HINTON, W.Va. (Hinton News) — For Martha Braswell and her husband, the road to retirement was paved by decades of service. After 18 years in the military and a medical discharge, Martha, alongside her husband—a 26-year veteran—decided that all roads led to Hinton.
Martha’s story began with immigrant parents who moved to the United States from Colombia, South America. She says her parents came in pursuit of the American dream, and today, she is living it.
As part of that dream, the Braswells are restoring a property many locals remember as the old Fort Pitt shoe store building. Martha admits that starting a major restoration project wasn’t the original goal; she and her friend, Jill, had simply dreamed of opening a shop to provide a needed service or product to the community.
That vision has since evolved into a plan for two distinct businesses: a nail salon and a bakery.
“We had previously restored our historic home in Hinton, but that only needed minor cosmetic work and upgrades,” Martha said, noting that the historic commercial building is on a “whole other level” of restoration.
In addition to the storefronts, the project includes the restoration of four upstairs apartments. Once complete, Martha hopes the space will not only provide housing and commerce but also infuse a touch of her Hispanic heritage and “Latin flavor” into the heart of downtown Hinton.
