Not a country or a new political party, The Republic of Floyd Emporium was the brainchild of Thomas Cole Stone Ryan, a writer of satire, weekend bartender, music event promoter, art agent, and a businessman. Tom had a larger-than-life personality and a tremendous sense of humor. He, along with help from local artists, created a distinctive line of Floyd inspired apparel, hats, prints, glassware, and other merchandise that stand the test of time!
In August of 2024, Terri Tishman took over as the new owner/operator of the downtown landmark. Terri was born and raised in Richmond, Virginia, started her career as an administrative assistant, working for lawyers and eventually The Office of the Attorney General’s office. When Terri met her future husband, John Layman in 1988, it was off to California to pursue a common passion for natural foods. They spent the next 10 years in the bay area, working in the natural food industry. In 1999, after being a stay-at-home mom to two young sons, Terri returned to administrative work at Virginia Tech in Blacksburg. The family moved to Floyd, Virginia in 2000. You may already know Terri from the twenty years she spent working for Across-the-Way Productions, the parent company to FloydFest, or during the numerous years spent working at the Harvest Moon Food Store.
Terri’s first involvement with The Republic of Floyd came when Tom Ryan hired her to work the Republic of Floyd booth at FloydFest. In those early years, Tom Phelps Pottery and The Republic of Floyd were booths #1 and #2 in the main stage field! Terri was just getting to know Tom when he suddenly passed. She will always treasure her autographed copy of the Floyd Dysfunctional Family Cookbook, that simply said “Call me when you leave your husband!”
After Tom’s unexpected passing in early 2013, a diverse group of fantastic Floyd folks jumped in and bought the store from Tom’s estate, ensuring his legacy would live on. Current ownership owes a deep debt of gratitude to the group for saving the store. More recognition and thanks go out to the long-time store manager, Connie Colloca. Connie was a major asset to Tom, and she did an amazing job running the store. It was Connie’s decision to retire in 2024 that prompted the group to think of selling. Terri had joined Connie and her team back in December of 2022 as a part-time cashier, so with an exclusive offer dropped in her lap, Terri did not have to think long about it and made the easy decision to become a downtown Floyd business owner.
It is truly a perfect fit for Terri as she enters her 60th year, she is a firm believer in laughter is the best medicine. Terri and her team will always seek out products that make their customers laugh aloud! For those who know her, Terri LOVES PEOPLE, HUMOR, STORYTELLING, AND ENJOYING LIFE. Terri’s vision for the store is not unlike other entrepreneurs, keep the lights on and turn a profit. The team intends to continue to provide the best wine, beer, gourmet snacks, locally made goods, hot sauce, cigars, and gifts. Check out the expanded choice of all the fixings for amazing cocktails and mocktails! They are also working to expand the popular Floyd inspired branded items and putting a focus on continuing to serve the community’s needs and offering exceptional customer service. Let Terri and her team help you plan your next party, wedding, or any event. The Republic of Floyd can provide kegs of beer, cases of wine and/or champagne and more.
There are always challenges in any business and for the business owner, and that is not an exception for the Republic of Floyd or Terri. But the sign of a great business owner is knowing their limitations and getting others involved that complement their strengths and weaknesses. That is exactly what Terri has done, hiring Pamela Pinto-Sessions to serve as the marketing manager. Pamela has already renewed the store’s presence on Facebook and is bringing her knowledge and love of wine to the wine buyer role as well. We’re so pleased to have Pamela on the team!
The question we hear the most at the store is What is the Republic of Floyd?? At our FloydFest debut with Tom, this question was asked repeatedly and as is often the case in Floyd, they had no answer. After careful deliberation over some frosty beverages, Tom concocted this fabrication and hoped it would suffice until he was able to elucidate a more disingenuous reply.
The Republic of Floyd is merely a loose confederation of underemployed artists and wannabe entrepreneurs that banded together in the current space/time continuum to turn a buck doing as little as possible. From time to time a few of us help out at Floyd Fest, host musical event and art shows, cook food for the masses and volunteer time to local fundraising projects, but for the most part we drink coffee, wine and beer, discuss all the things we’d accomplish if we only had the modicum of ambition…and this folks is where you come in, that hard earned money you’re squandering on mortgages and retirement… let it go as the buddha advises… spend it here. Your support and continued hard work will allow us to keep living the dream.
Tom’s spirit is ever present and reminds us to never forget why we are doing this. Floyd time is a mindset, not a business model. Remember, calendars are a bad idea. The customer isn’t always right. Walk home when it makes sense. Floyd and Tom’s memory always comes first. Laugh at yourself (and others). Quit when it stops being fun. One thing Terri is sure of is that the humor and fun will remain.
Press & Media
Republic of Floyd Emporium Changes Ownership
Floyd Magazine, 2025 Spring/Summer issue