The tent commandments
~ by Paige Langenderfer courtesy photos
A
new store called The Tent Commandments has created a whimsical escape for visitors at the
Heritage Mall in downtown Nashville. A cozy corner of what used to be a quiet space is now buzzing with color, curiosity, and outdoor fun. The Tent Commandments store is the latest retail concept of Jaime Vermillion, a longtime Brown County resident and business owner.
The store Vermillion refers to as“ Tent,” has hand-painted barn doors, custom murals, and shelves full of forest creatures, fairy lights, and mushroom-growing kits.
“ We call it our treehouse,” she said.“ We wanted it to feel like a little escape. Somewhere playful, peaceful, and full of things you didn’ t know you needed until you saw them.”
Vermillion, who also owns Sweetea’ s Tea Shop next to the Visitors Center, opened Tent in April with the help of her brother— and creative collaborator— Rob. Even the store’ s name, came from one of Rob’ s lightbulb moments.
“ We loved that it was simple, outdoorsy, and had some spiritual meaning too,” she said.
“ We talked about opening a store that felt like a family camp— something that carried useful items, fun items, and that welcomed everyone: men, women, and kids. We thought it might be a project for the future. Then this space opened up, and everything started falling into place.”
From there, it was a community effort. Friends and Sweetea’ s staff helped transform the
The Tent Commandments owner Jaime Vermillion.
space, hanging murals, installing rustic wood beams, and painting walls that now glow with soft, earthy colors.
Vermillion’ s faith is woven gently into everything she does. A self-described“ Jesus girl,” she doesn’ t push it, but hopes people feel the warmth and welcome that come from her belief in serving others.
52 Our Brown County • July / August 2025