OLIVESBURG — The new owner of Olivesburg General Store says divine intervention led her to purchase the business.

Tia Sponsler and her husband, Aaron, bought the store from previous owner, Connie Tucker after Tia felt a higher power pushing her to own a business.

“About 10 months ago, the Lord spoke to my heart and told me I’d be owning a store,” Sponsler said. “So, we checked out two places, and then I told my husband, I think we’re supposed to own ‘the Burg.’”

While they recalled seeing “for sale” signs a few years ago, they didn’t think the Olivesburg General Store, 4778 State Route 545, was still for sale.

Curious, Aaron Sponsler checked it out. He stopped by to pick up lunch and left with some promising news for his wife.

“Three and a half months later I owned it,” Tia Sponsler said, grinning from ear to ear.

The Ashland couple took ownership on May 15. So far, so good.

“When God spoke to my heart that I would own a store about a year ago, I could have never imagined the amount of rejoicing my soul would feel,” Tia Sponsler said in a Facebook post after a week into the business. “All the new friends I have made between my work family and the guests who share their time with us, are such a blessing.”

While managing the store, she often sits and chats with customers.

“The people … are what make it awesome,” Sponsler said. “I love seeing the same people every day and asking about their lives.”

The business, known for its deli sandwiches and ice cream, will soon add some healthier options to the menu, too. Sponsler mentioned the possibility of gluten-free items.

“People near and far come in for the ice cream,” said employee, Matti Krispinsky.

She had already served several cones before 11 a.m. on the day of this interview.

Tia Sponsler said her 9-year-old son, Preston, enjoys visiting the store for the mint chocolate chip ice cream in a waffle cone.

The ambitious new owner also intends to move some things around. She will turn one room into a sales space until around November when she has something else “exciting” in store. Other sections will be rearranged to add more seating.

“I want to create a space to experience peace and joy and acceptance and love with family and friends and to create memories,” she said. “We are organically letting God turn it into what he wants it to be.”

Outside of their new business, the owners keep busy. Aaron Sponsler is the general manager at Donley Ford in Shelby. Tia Sponsler is the children’s ministry director at First Presbyterian Church in Ashland. She’ll remain in this position until August, when she plans to step down and focus her attention on the general store.  

“I’m excited to see what God has in store because I’m sure it’s going to be phenomenal,” she said. “Everything else I’ve been a part of that he’s touched has been amazing.”

Summer hours are Monday through Friday 7 a.m. to 9 p.m., Saturday 8 a.m. to 9 p.m. and Sunday 9 a.m. to 8 p.m.

To find out more about the Olivesburg General Store visit their website or Facebook page.