Proud Peacock & Stone House Urban Winery | Volume 1 - Episode 4
The Dugout, Volume One, Episode Four (2025)
Brought to you by Port 44 and River Spirit Media
Jump Ahead
Community Updates with Selena Wilkes
Good morning! I’m Selena Wilkes, coming to you from the River Spirit Media Studio for The Dugout, Volume One, Episode Four.
We’ve got two amazing guests joining us today, Paula Jackson, owner of The Proud Peacock, and Laurie Chrzanowski, co-owner of Stone House Urban Winery and C & Ohh So Tasty Coffee, Tea, and Ice Cream.
Before we dive into our interviews, here are your Williamsport community updates for the coming months. Trust me, there’s a lot happening!
Upcoming Events: October – December
October 31 – Halloween Night in Williamsport
Trick-or-treating will take place on Halloween night. That’s this Friday, October 31st! Get your costumes ready and bring the family downtown for a fun evening.November 2 – Daylight Saving Time Ends
Don’t forget to set your clocks back!November 5 – Dedication at Springfield Manor Farm
Join the community at 12 PM for the dedication ceremony.November 10 – Celebration of Trees Donation Deadline
Have an old artificial Christmas tree? Don’t toss it, donate it to the Springfield Barn for the Celebration of Trees event.November 11 – Veterans Day
A heartfelt thank-you to all who have served our country. Williamsport has a proud history of service, and we honor every veteran and their families.November 14 – Sweet Notes Bakery Anniversary
Devin and her team at Sweet Notes Bakery will be celebrating with delicious treats and surprises so be sure to stop by or check their website for details.November 27 – Thanksgiving Day
Enjoy a relaxing holiday with family, food, and gratitude.November 28 – Black Friday
Support local businesses in downtown Williamsport during the busiest shopping day of the year!November 29 – Small Business Saturday
Keep the local love going by shopping at small businesses around town.December 5 – Williamsport Christmas Parade
Join us for this family-favorite tradition! Watch Santa light up the park, enjoy music, candy, and the magical park lights you can drive through afterward.December 6 – Cocoa Crawl on Main Street
Sip hot cocoa, do some holiday shopping, and visit your favorite local stores.Carriage Rides
Book early because these sell out fast! Visit https://theliveryonpotomac.com/ to reserve your ride and enjoy the festive sights of Williamsport during the holidays.
“It’s a busy season, but such a joyful one,” Selena said. “Remember to lift others up. Brighter days are always ahead.”
Guest Feature: Paula Jackson of The Proud Peacock
Our first guest today is Paula Jackson, owner of The Proud Peacock, located on Main Street, Williamsport.
Paula transformed the former Zelda’s Boutique into a thriving fashion destination for women of all ages and sizes, and she’s become an inspiring force in the Williamsport business community.
“It was something I always wanted to do,” Paula said. “When the opportunity came, it just felt meant to be.”
From Dream to Reality
Paula’s background blends communications, business, and retail management, with early experience at major stores like Casual Corner, Brooks Fashions, and Pasta.
“I always said, ‘One day, I’d like to have my own store,’” she recalled. “When I found out Zelda’s was retiring, I knew it was time.”
On the day of her ribbon cutting, Paula said she stood outside the store thinking, “Wow, this is really happening.”
A Boutique for Every Woman
The Proud Peacock is known for its inclusive sizing and affordable fashion.
One-third of the store carries small to medium sizes.
Two-thirds is dedicated to plus-size fashion.
Paula also carries shoes up to size 11.
“My customers love that I blend styles for younger women and mature ladies alike,” Paula said.
Her most popular brands include POL (known for tops and sweaters that fit everyone) and Judy Blue Jeans, famous for their flattering fit and the fact that most shoppers can go down one size.
Balancing Business and Community
Paula also works full-time for Washington County Public Schools, helping students and families in crisis with clothing, food, and support.
“My goal is to lift them up and help them realize they can succeed,” she said.
Her connection to the school community has helped her business thrive, creating a strong support network.
“Williamsport has been wonderful to me. I may not be from here originally, but I’m proud to call it home.”
Paula’s Advice for Entrepreneurs
Paula shared some powerful advice for anyone dreaming of owning a business:
Write it down. Start a notebook just for your ideas and goals.
Do your homework. Research funding, mentorship, and local resources.
Seek guidance. Paula credits the Washington County Small Business Association for mentoring her from the start.
Partner with your town. Get involved in local events, promote your store, and collaborate with others.
“You can’t do it alone,” she said. “You have to network, promote, and be active every week.”
Building Connections
Paula’s store often welcomes three generations of women: grandmothers, mothers, and daughters shopping together.
“That connection is what it’s all about,” Paula said. “It’s not just shopping, it’s community.”
She also hosts pop-up expos for local women entrepreneurs, offering mentoring and collaboration opportunities.
“We lift each other up and that’s what small business is all about.”
🛍️ The Proud Peacock
📍 Location: 1 N Conococheague St, Williamsport, MD 21795
🕓 Hours: Check here for current hours
🌐 Follow: www.facebook.com/proudpeacockboutique
Guest Feature: Laurie Chrzanowski of Stone House Urban Winery & C & Ohh So Tasty Coffee, Tea & Ice Cream
Our second guest is Laurie Chrzanowski, co-owner of Stone House Urban Winery and C & Ohh So Tasty Coffee, Tea, and Ice Cream. Two exciting new additions coming soon to North Conococheague Street in Williamsport.
“We’re thrilled to bring something new and social to Williamsport,” Laurie said. “Wine, coffee, and ice cream. It’s all about connection.”
From Paralegal to Winemaker
Laurie’s journey into entrepreneurship began while her husband was deployed in Iraq. A financial advisor encouraged her to invest in something she loved and she jokingly said, “I like wine.”
That joke turned into a business partnership with winemaker Lori Dixon of Hagerstown’s Stone House Urban Winery, where Laurie became a managing partner and eventually helped expand the business statewide.
“I used to say I did my best work on people’s worst days as a forensic paralegal,” she said. “Now, I get to do my best work while people play.”
Growing the Stone House Legacy
Stone House Urban Winery began hosting festivals across Maryland, where their wines were a hit. Now they’re in several restaurants and liquor stores, and recently expanded to Fort Ritchie, where they opened the Top Secret Tap Room and are preparing a castle tasting room.
The next chapter? Williamsport.
“This town has so much history and charm,” Laurie said. “It’s the perfect fit for what we do.”
Coming Soon to Williamsport
🍷 Stone House Urban Winery – 19 North Conococheague Street
☕ C & Ohh So Tasty Coffee, Tea & Ice Cream – 21 North Conococheague Street
The two businesses will connect side by side with a shared outdoor space for sipping wine, enjoying coffee, and relaxing with friends.
“Morning coffee, evening wine, and ice cream in between. You can’t go wrong,” Laurie laughed.
A Blend of History and Hospitality
Laurie shared that both Fort Ritchie and Williamsport reflect her team’s love of history and revitalization.
“Williamsport once had a distillery, and it’s rich in heritage,” she said. “It’s about bringing people together over conversation, whether it’s caffeine or cabernet.”
Creative Wines and Playful Names
Stonehouse wines are known for their creativity and humor, from “I Charded” Chardonnay to “Everything Happens for a Riesling.”
“People shop with their eyes and their laughter,” Laurie said. “If a name makes you smile, it’s a great start to a great bottle.”
Their family-run operation, led by Laurie’s son and daughter-in-law, handcrafts each bottle with precision and passion.
Brewing a New Chapter
As for the coffee side, Laurie admits she’s still learning the ropes.
“The espresso machine is massive,” she said with a laugh. “I asked how much the big cup version costs.”
Still, she’s excited to bring gourmet coffee, teas, and homemade ice cream to the community.
“It’s all about creating a space where people connect, morning, noon, or night.”
Looking Ahead
Williamsport’s location along the C&O Canal makes it a natural gathering point for cyclists and travelers, and Laurie plans to welcome them with open doors.
“With the park, canal, and Main Street businesses, this town is the perfect halfway stop,” she said.
🍷 Stone House Urban Winery & C & Ohh So Tasty
📍 19 & 21 North Conococheague Street, Williamsport, MD
🌐 www.stonehouseuw.com
Closing Remarks
That wraps up The Dugout, Volume One, Episode Four, featuring Paula Jackson of The Proud Peacock and Laurie Chrzanowski of Stone House Urban Winery and C & Ohh So Tasty.
From fashion to wine, both women represent what makes Williamsport thrive: passion, creativity, and community spirit.
“Williamsport is growing, and it’s because of people like Paula and Laurie,” Selena said. “They bring heart, style, and a whole lot of flavor to our town.”
Stay tuned for the next episode of The Dugout, brought to you by Port 44 and River Spirit Media — your source for community, culture, and conversation in Williamsport!
