Based in Harrisonburg, Lineage is an inspiring store focused on the beauty of handmade craft. Lineage was recognized this year as one of Virginia’s outstanding businesses during Virginia Main Street’s Downtown Intersection conference. Head there for owner Paul Hansbarger’s signature leather and waxed cotton canvas designs and marvel in the details of the totes, weekenders, backpacks, and accessories, which he is often working on right there in the store.

Hansbarger started stitching at the request of his wife, who was expecting and couldn’t find the perfect diaper bag at the time. His well-crafted, simple, yet elegant solution resulted in a lot of requests for more. He started Lineage in 2015 and by 2018 opened the shop.

Lineage is located in the Agora Downtown Market in Harrisonburg, home to a number of local small businesses, where Hansbarger is able to “be in a community of small start-up businesses but still have a presence on Main Street.” The behind-the-scenes look at the art of making the bags is a huge draw for customers, along with his well curated displays of home goods, apparel, art, and unique gifts from like-minded producers.

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Want to go deeper? Check out our conversation with Paul and Harrisonburg Downtown Renaissance Executive Director Andrea Dono in the Partners for Better Communities podcast.

Listen below, follow the link above, or subscribe wherever you listen to podcasts.

Then check out the official award video.