It was an opportunity she couldn’t pass up.

While she’ll graduate with a degree in international business and operational excellence/supply chain management, Wahl wanted to make sure she had a place to work on her love of sewing and quilting.

“Being in a place where I can continue the art is very important,” she said.

With her upcoming sewing and quilting business, Twila’s, she aims to continue the legacy of Mary Koval, the founder of Mary’s Quilt Shop, and keep the art alive in the area for new generations.

Courtesy photo / Taylor Wahl uses her sewing machine while posing for a picture.

A native of Windber, Wahl said she first picked up a needle and thread when she was eight years old.

She started by crafting clothes for her dolls, then received her first sewing machine as a Christmas gift and started making clothes.

During the pandemic, her interests expanded to quilting, which led to Bedford.

“Windber is not too far, which allowed me to visit often,” she said. “I always thought Bedford was cute.”

One particular day when Wahl shopped in Bedford stuck with Koval.

“I remember one day Taylor came into the shop and said she wanted to have her own quilt shop some day,” Koval said.

In talking with Wahl over time, Koval said she was impressed by her plans. When it came time to retire, she wanted to place her legacy in Wahl’s capable hands.

The transition from mentorship to ownership happened somewhat seamlessly, though it took a lot of work and a lot of support.

“I do not know anyone who works harder than Taylor,” Koval said.

Wahl worked with the Bedford County Development Association and with Jennifer Marsh of the Bedford County Startup Alleghenies program, where she received entrepreneurial guidance.

“It’s been an exciting process working with a young and talented entrepreneur like Taylor,” Marsh said.

“Jen has been my biggest supporter from day one. After talking to her about my project, she worked tirelessly to help get me there,” Wahl said. “I counted on her through all of the ups and downs. There are a lot of different emotions when you take on a project like this, and Jen was with me through all of them. I don’t think that I can ever say enough about how great she is,” Wahl said.

Startup Alleghenies helped her network, and it got her in contact with the right banks, lawyers, graphic designers and more, she said.

Jim Gonsman, vice president of Hometown Bank, also played a pivotal role in securing the necessary financing, enabling Wahl to transform her dream into reality.

“The process was interesting as a 21-year-old, but Jim made the whole thing a whole lot easier,” Wahl said.

Wahl intends to turn Twila’s into a destination shop.

She envisions a space that nurtures creativity and community, inviting sewers, artists, crafters and enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels to come together.

The Hofius House will not only house Twila’s, but it will also serve as a marketplace for local artisans.

The ground floor will be transformed into a boutique offering clothing and quilts, and will double as an educational hub where people can learn sewing and quilting skills.

She plans to also curate a selection of stationary products in the shop.

Apart from Twila’s and the boutique, the building’s upper floors will be rental apartments.

The Juice Shack will be another tenet in the building with more space available for more small businesses.

“They went into a place that used to be a deli and it was a good setup for them,” Wahl said.

For Wahl, being the steward of the Hofius House is a dream come true.

The landmark dates back to 1814, she said, and the building’s rich history aligns perfectly with her mission to uphold the art of sewing while fostering a new generation’s interest.

“I have always been into history and being able to have my business in a building like the Hofius House is very fitting,” Wahl said.

Wahl plans to open Twila’s after she graduates in June 2024.

“Twila’s will be a fabulous addition to downtown Bedford, and Taylor’s engagement with the community and plans to support other small businesses will make a big impact,” Marsh said.

Mirror Staff Writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.