By Sarah Grant
November 21, 2009
Planet Blacksburg
For local business owner Margaret Breslau, adjusting to small town life was difficult. The Chicago native, who moved to Blacksburg from Tel Aviv, Israel, remembers being unhappy during her first year here.
These days, Breslau is a prominent activist for preserving a traditional downtown in Blacksburg. She was a key player in the battle against Wal-Mart that ignited the town in 2007.
Breslau’s involvement in the community began after a period of self-reflection. “There is a point where you realize, you make your own world,” she says.
Breslau’s store, Homebody, is nestled in the heart of downtown Blacksburg. She uses it as a platform to campaign for international concerns.
Homebody is unlike any store in the area. Nowhere else can you find vases made from recycled magazines, headbands made from swimsuit remnants and paper made from elephant dung.
