Business
New Store Brings Beauty and Smiles to Downtown Warrenton
Paulette Burton wants to satisfy the beauty and personal needs of her customers with Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles.
A ceremonious cheer and applause could be heard over a block away when Paulette Burton flipped the open sign on the door of her anticipated store, Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles located in downtown Warrenton.
A long-desired retail store in the area, she is eager to satisfy the beauty needs of enthusiasts who no longer wish to travel to neighboring counties for quality hair care products.
Currently lining her shelves are the traditional items you would find in a beauty supply store: wigs, weaves, hair conditioners, hair dye, brushes, and in her display case, beard kits for the fellas who wish to keep their facial hair soft and maintained.
Burton calls Sweetie’s a “community store,” and she emphasizes her point by including two boards in her store that allows customers to write suggestions, product recommendations and to provide feedback.
Before opening her doors in Warrenton, the Washington DC native’s entrepreneurial pursuit had already garnered a reputation.
A buzz, you can say around what else she would be selling in her store.
Originally located in Norlina before becoming mobile, her store concept left some local residents… “concerned.”
Upon walking in, one would immediately notice a bold red curtain with black drapes in the back of the store. A forbidden area to anyone under the age of 21, behind the curtain is where the “Smiles” in her business name comes into play.
Geared towards a “mature” market, customers looking to kick their behind closed doors action up a notch can find massage oils, romance kits, s*x toys, and more on the shelves in the enclosed area.
Long before her grand opening on a Sunday afternoon that also included a celebratory champagne toast, Burton was visited by local officials. She stated that they informed her as long as those select products were kept hidden from younger eyes, she would be in compliance with local regulations.
So, with that being said, if you find yourself searching for a wig to switch up your look or want to spice up an evening at home (or both), be sure to stop by one of the most unique shops in Warren County history, Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles.
Sweetie’s Beauty Supply and Smiles is located on 220 S Main Street in Warrenton, NC. Store hours are Tuesday – Sunday, from 3:30-7:30pm. The store website is https://SmilesandSweetiesBeautySupply.com and for updates on new products and more, follow the store on Facebook and Instagram.
Check out photos from the Sweeties’ Beauty Supply and Smiles Grand Opening below:
Business
VGCC SBC Celebrates Warren County Small Businesses
The VGCC Small Business Center hosted its third annual Small Business Awards Ceremony at Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard.
On Thursday, February 27, 2025, the Vance-Granville Community College (VGCC) Small Business Center hosted its third annual Small Business Awards Ceremony at Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard in Norlina. The event celebrated 13 Warren County-based businesses and community leaders, recognizing their contributions to the local economy and community. The ceremony was held in partnership with The Gateway Community Development Corporation (CDC) of Vance County and sponsored by NC IDEA.
The VGCC Small Business Center, led by Director Carolyn Perry, has been instrumental in supporting local entrepreneurs through resources, training, and mentorship. The annual awards ceremony highlights the achievements of small businesses that have demonstrated resilience, innovation, and commitment to community development.
The honorees were in three categories according to the length they have been in business: Startups (3-5 years), Established (5-10 years); and Legacy (10+).
HONOREES:
STARTUPS
Peanut & Zelb’s Produce Market, 137 Hyco Street, Norlina
Warren Animal Feed, 102 College Street, Warrenton
Sisterly Dreams
Presenter: Kyle Burwell, Dean, Business and Industry Solutions, VGCC
ESTABLISHED
Oliver Family Farm
Crews Balloons, https://www.crewsballoons.com
Lake Gaston Coffee, 104 Wellington Way, Littleton
Seven Springs Farms and Vineyard, 332 Axtell-Ridgeway Road, Norlina
Sweet Delights Cookies and Things
Presenter: Megan Williams, Economic Development Specialist, Warren County Community and Economic Development
LEGACY
Just Flowers, 138 S Main Street, Warrenton
Kim’s Vineyard and Winery, 408 Largo Road, Norlina
WARR 1520 AM, 824 US Hwy 158 Bus. W, Warrenton
Awesome God Christian Bookstore, 130 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Dr. Jerry Edmonds, Vice President of Workforce & Community Engagement, VGCC
Community and Economic Development Award:
Jametrice Alston Jones, owner of @4 Girls and a Comb and Rock & Fortress Production Company, 144 S. Main Street, Warrenton
Presenter: Crystal Myrick, Warrenist
The event was catered by local Warren County food truck, Kings Smoke-N-Soul.
Business
PHOTOS: Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast (February 2025)
Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.
Over 50 community stakeholders consisting of business owners, educators, elected officials, and industry leaders met for good eats and good discussion at the Warren County Industry and Education Breakfast on Feb. 26.
Hosted by the Warren County Community and Economic Development team, the event was held in the Warren County Armory Civic Center and provided a unique opportunity for fellow business leaders, educators, and key stakeholders to connect and discuss shaping the future of workforce readiness in Warren County.
Special guest speaker, Brett Brenton of MyFutureNC presented key information about Warren County to further guide attendees in how they can bridge the gap between industry needs and educational opportunities.
Minds were opened, business cards were exchanged, and potential collaborations were born.
We look forward to seeing how these new and renewed connections will flourish in our community, specifically for the betterment of our next generation.
Photo Credit: Crystal Myrick / Warrenist
Business
VIDEO: A Look at “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up”
In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released a video today highlighting several businesses in the area.
In partnership with Capitol Broadcasting Company, Inc., Warren County Community and Economic Development released “Warren County, NC: From the Ground Up,” a video highlighting our diverse businesses and organizations in the area.
Warren County’s passion and commitment to building and thriving locally are the driving force behind our community’s success and culture. It’s that dedication and commitment to community that has been the backbone of our county for years. Hear from some of our small businesses about our community’s values that are the foundation for success.
Small businesses featured (in order of appearance):
AF Wake (https://afwake.com);
Working Landscapes and ByWay Foods (https://bywayfoods.com/);
Brown Family Farms (https://brownfamilyfarmscsa.com);
Kings Fitness (https://www.kingsfitnessnc.com/);
Lake Gaston Outfitters (https://www.lakegastonoutfitters.com/)
Rockin’ E Ranch (facebook.com/rockin.e.ranch)
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