The elements that make up the charm & warmth of Tastefully Yours
The House at 406 Mill Street, the Oldest home in Occoquan was built in 1750. It was once a residence for prominent locals during the early days of the old mill town. During some restoration work a confederate officer's coffee mug was unearthed between its log walls. Residents through the years have recounted stories of their chance encounters with the house ghost who seems to be female and gentle in nature but definitely likes to arrange furnishings, and play tricks upon her house guests. After sitting empty for over a year and a half "The House" is now proudly owned and loved by the sister-brother-wife trio of Tastefully Yours. It again welcomes the weary traveler/shopper to stop and refresh and indulge in samplings of many fine gourmet food and treats.
Jo Ann Barney, an educator of young children for over 40 years, knows the likes and dislikes of children from 6 months to 60, and that gooey-creamy treats can be a big part of putting a smile on everyone's face. JoAnn is the driving force behind Tastefully Yours. She is there to welcome you into the wonderful world of taste delights that will make any gathering one that is talked about for weeks. Each item comes with a story or education of how to use the product to make it the most noticed treat. Talk to her she wants you to be a success. That coupled with a love for historical treasures, a love for decorating and the matriarch of a huge Irish family makes her an excellent ambassador as she presents various tasty treats in a historical setting.
Patrick Barney, A corporate executive turned entrepreneur, has traveled the world drinking wines, teas and coffees with more than the occasional chocolate in his Travel Corporation, "4 More Travel". His office specializing in personalized travel for your every desire is located in the Riverwalk shops in Occoquan. All you need to do is look at Patrick to know that he is a connoisseur of fine wine, rich coffees and international ice creams.
Susan "Sam" Shockley, started in the hospitality industry before she became an entrepreneur herself. She had for over 15 years a very successful upscale ladies' boutique in Springfield called "Notorious" In the Spring of 2007 she decided to take her creative juices and join them with her husband Patrick in his travel office now located in Occoquan. Sam's vivacious personality will surely make any want-to-be traveler excited before they even leave port.
JoAnn's passion for seeing the delight in YOUR face and Patrick's behind the scenes artistry make for quite a solid team, after all, they have been brother and sister all their lives. This is not the team of 3's first venture into business together. They started the very successful "Flagstone School", an early childhood development center in Old Town Alexandria in 1990. But this latest adventure is bringing back fine memories for JoAnn and Pat of days gone by of visiting their Aunts and grandmother in Brooklyn NY. Whether on a Sunday visit or spending summer weeks with Aunt Katie and Aunt Mae and Nana, it meant enjoying pastries, cheeses, and fine jellies and jams all bought from the neighborhood stores owned and operated by the children of the early immigrants from Ireland, Poland and Italy. So now this next generation delights with the opportunity to bring you the tastes which remind them of home and love and comfort. Adding Sam into the mix creates a fine team to present the many tasty treats of "Tastefully Yours"
