Cottage on Second Avenue: A Haven for Homemaking and Connection

Nestled among the charming boutiques in downtown Eagle and the vibrant small businesses, lies Cottage on Second Avenue, a shop that is more than just a place to browse and buy—it’s an experience, a philosophy, and a reminder to slow down and embrace the art of homemaking. At the helm of this warm and welcoming gift store is Jennifer Zebio, a local resident whose journey from the corporate world to business ownership is as inspiring as the space she has curated.

From Banking to Boutique

Jennifer’s background is rooted in finance—she worked for Wells Fargo for 23 years in the private banking sector before stepping away to focus on her family. After moving to Eagle, she cared for her grandfather for seven years while raising her two daughters. Once life settled, she found herself at a crossroads. “I wanted to do something, but I wasn’t sure what. I even considered going back to school for nursing,” she recalls.

The answer came unexpectedly during an Honor Flight trip with her grandfather, where they visited military memorials in Washington, D.C. It was there that she felt a pull toward creating something meaningful. Her love for gift shops and homemaking led her to explore business opportunities, and when she learned that Linda, the longtime owner of a beloved local shop, was retiring, she saw the chance to build something special. “It wasn’t my initial plan to take over an existing shop, but everything just fell into place,” she says.

Crafting a New Vision

Taking over a business that had been a community staple for 20 years presented both opportunities and challenges. Jennifer had a clear vision—to transform the store into a haven for homemaking and craftsmanship. “Linda focused on consignment and garden goods, but I knew that wasn’t my strength. I kill every plant I touch!” she jokes. Instead, she rebranded the store around traditional homemaking, infusing it with warmth, creativity, and a sense of nostalgia.

A key element of this vision is the haberdashery area, a space dedicated to embroidery and crafting. “This year, we’re expanding it even more,” she shares. “It’s all about building community—bringing women, friends, and families together through creativity and tradition.”

More Than a Store—A Feeling

What sets Cottage on Second Avenue apart from other boutiques in Eagle is its distinct vibe—one that is deeply personal to Jennifer. “I’m very traditional, very feminine. I love pink, I love florals, I love everything that makes a house a home,” she says.

Customers have taken notice. “We’ve had people say they feel love when they walk in. Around Christmas, someone told me it looked like a Hallmark movie. That’s exactly what I want—somewhere that evokes comfort, nostalgia, and joy.” One customer even superimposed a photo of her family into the store’s holiday setup for their Christmas card, a testament to the magic Jennifer has created.

Beyond aesthetics, Jennifer attributes much of the store’s warmth to her team. “We have an incredible group of women working here—some who stayed from Linda’s days and others who joined along the way. We’re like a family. People feel that energy when they walk in.”

Creating Experiences That Matter

Jennifer’s talent for marketing and event planning is another key element of the store’s success. “I love creating experiences—things that bring the community together in a meaningful way,” she says. She’s introduced embroidery workshops, kid-friendly activities, and seasonal events that feel both intentional and nostalgic.

“I admire old-fashioned traditions—things that were commonplace when we were kids, like beautifully wrapped gifts, and holiday crafting,” she explains. “People love those simple joys, and I want to bring them back.”

Her commitment to meaningful experiences extends beyond the store. She’s currently in talks with St. Luke’s Hospital about a community-driven charity project. “I want to bring women together to make something special for those in need,” she says. “It’s about using our hands, our hearts, and our time to create something with love.”

The Power of Crafting and Connection

For Jennifer, homemaking and crafting aren’t just hobbies—they’re a form of self-care and healing. “I’ve been through a lot of trauma in my life, and I found stitching to be incredibly calming. It’s like therapy,” she shares. “That’s why I love seeing kids and young people take it up again—it’s a lost art, but it’s coming back, and for good reason.”

Through Cottage on Second Avenue, Jennifer Zebio is doing more than running a store. She’s creating a space where people can slow down, reconnect with tradition, and find beauty in everyday moments. Whether through a thoughtfully curated gift, a hands-on workshop, or simply the warmth of a familiar face behind the counter, she’s reminding Eagle residents that home is more than just a place—it’s a feeling.

And that feeling starts the moment you walk through the door on Second Avenue and State Street downtown.