What is your name and occupation?
Noelle Linda Kolb. I am the owner of Assumption Records in Rivesville, WV.
Can you tell me about the personal journey that led to owning a record store?
I started my professional life as a pharmacy tech. That was my job for many years until our daughter Windy was diagnosed with a rare metabolic disorder. Suddenly, there were lots of medical appointments and other things that needed to be done to manage her care, so I decided I was going to stay home to handle everything.
We needed to make extra money and thought we’d check out some storage auction units to see what we could resell. My husband, Patrick, would often join me to look for stuff we could bring home to sell, and we had a yard sale every Saturday.
Eventually, we started running into a lot of records. Patrick used to have an extensive record collection, and I grew up listening to the records and artists my older siblings enjoyed, which was everything from Frank Zappa to George Jones. We connected with other record people and worked together as a network—if someone was looking for a specific record, everyone would keep an eye out and let them know if they found it. Eventually, we became the people you’d call when you needed something.
We started online selling on eBay before moving to MusicStack and then Discogs. It wasn’t long before we had an entire room dedicated to our business and stopped doing everything else to focus on selling records.
Around this time, I started a vinyl-related business I’m very proud of. We needed something to clean the records, and cleaner was very expensive. So, I experimented and researched until I figured out a combination that would clean and dry the records without harming them. Now we sell our Pristine Platters cleaning solution through the Assumption Records website (www.assumptionrecords.com/Order.html) and other online retailers.
Our business grew until our records were everywhere, and it was time to find a bigger place. Because I am a people person, I really wanted a brick and mortar record store. It was also important to me to be close to my mom, who lived in Buckhannon at the time. We saw a church in Rivesville, WV for sale online and thought it’d be a great location where we could both operate our store and live as well. It’s been a fabulous piece of property.
None of this was planned. I never thought, “I’m going to own a record store one day.” Now, I own a record store and also sell my cleaning solution. It’s been really fulfilling.
What advice would you have for another woman who wanted to follow in your footsteps?
I would say keep smiling and just do it. You just figure it out as you go.
I have lots of support, like my husband who helps me in any way he can, and we also have an employee who we lean on. Find supportive people you can trust and depend on.
What is next for you?
I’m a full-time grandmother. Our daughter and grandson are living with us, and we do a lot of child care, which has been fantastic.
I’m also the secretary of a local nonprofit called Main Street Rivesville here in town, and it all keeps me pretty darn busy. However, I would rather be busy and fulfilled, even if it means going a little crazy occasionally. It’s much better than not knowing my purpose.
Please tell me more about your work with Main Street Rivesville.
It started about four years ago when I was on town council, and we recognized the need for a nonprofit in town, so we started one. We do a lot of things for kids here like bringing back the Christmas parade as well as putting on a Christmas festival where they meet Santa and have cookies with him. We do an Easter egg hunt, and we’re getting ready to hang our Hometown Hero banners.
I knew when we came here that I wanted to be involved with the community. I wasn’t sure how I would go about doing that, but when the time felt right, I got on council which led to Main Street Rivesville—something I thoroughly enjoy. It’s been nice, and I like to see my grandson at these events we’ve put together.
Is there anything else you want to share with our readers?
I am just a woman in my 50s making everything work the best way I know how. I have stumbled along the way, and I’ve picked myself up and kept on going. I want others to know they can do it, too. Just keep on going.
Interview conducted, transcribed, and written by Marlynda Arnett, Program Innovation Leader for West Virginia Women Work.
