One of the busiest corners in Ashland is home to one of its oldest and most unique small businesses.
    “It’s a blessing and a curse,” said Mary Johnson, second-generation owner of Aladdin’s Art Gallery. “People probably pass us, see our window displays and think, ‘Oh, they have some cute things, but I am on my way somewhere.’”
    When people do stop and shop, they also tell their friends about Ashland’s gem. For more than 50 years, folks in Ashland and beyond have visited the frame and gift shop at 13th Street and Lexington Avenue. Brightly painted window displays entice passers-by with cool, creative gifts, spreading two messages: Shop local and frame local.
    Long ago, Aladdin’s building was a drug store. Johnson remembers as a child enjoying a soda at a counter near the front door. Her father Joe Mock, a longtime Huntington psychologist, grew up in Ashland and inherited the structure from his aunts in 1965. Johnson's mother, Jackie Mock, first considered opening a bookstore. Instead, she and Joe decided to open a gift and party supply store.
    “They knew they wanted to call it Aladdin’s way before they knew what they wanted to sell,” Johnson recalled. “They loved the thought of offering a world of wonders to a small town.”
    While selling greeting cards and paper goods seemed like a good idea, the business never took off. But her parents met some artists in Morehead who taught Joe how to frame photographs and art. He counseled patients by day in Huntington and crafted frames at night in Ashland. Jackie found a knack for finding unique items that weren’t available anywhere else. She greeted those who visited the store and usually knew them by name. Mrs. Mock passed away in 1997, Mr. Mock in 2009.
    Today, Johnson and local artist Libby Varner collaborate and handle the framing work. “I appreciate her talent so much,” Johnson said. “She makes it possible for me to have a life and own a business.”
    Along with Varner's works and jewelry, Aladdin’s promotes Kentucky and Ohio artists. For example, Portsmouth artist Kevin Young’s slate and crown molding clocks are featured at Aladdin’s. Each clock is one-of-a-kind, using slate from old barns and driftwood from the Ohio River.
    Johnson, an art history major, concentrates on what she does best – creating a special piece or finding what each customer wants, just like her mother. “Instead of finding what everyone else has purchased online, our customers turn to us for special works,” Johnson said.
    Recently, a customer visited asking for help honoring her father. She had a piece of coal shaped like West Virginia and a photograph of train tracks. She and her father used to walk alongside the tracks. She wanted to frame both as a gift. The result was a masterpiece; and the customer was so appreciative.
    “I know we offer something different,” Johnson said. “I will put something together for a customer and they love it. But then I like to add just one last touch and that usually ends up being the addition that makes the gift perfect.”
    Longtime customer Laurin Noe has shopped at Aladdin’s since she was seven. She frequents the shop with 20-year-old daughter Annabel. “Mary is the queen of color and how things should look,” Laurin Noe said. “She can tell customers how she would like to see things done. She knows what her customers want and knocks it out of the park each time.” A small business owner herself, Laurin Noe appreciates the importance of shopping locally and supporting local artists. “We all support each other,” she said. “It’s vital to our community.”
    Customers like Laurin Noe have helped Aladdin’s remain successful over the years. Johnson said the most challenging time for the shop was nearly 20 years ago when Ashland Oil Corp. left Russell. “Yet, we survived and continue to thrive,” said Johnson.
    Most recently, Johnson’s daughter Ginny Johnson began featuring Aladdin’s on social media. “I think that presence really helped our Christmas season,” she said. “Customers specifically visited the shop for an item they had seen online.”
From incense to oddly shaped ashtrays, to the 1970s with a hippie vibe complete with lava lamps to limited edition prints in the 1990s, Aladdin’s continues to stand the test of time as generations of local families support the business.
    “I like to say, our shop is a work in progress after 50 years.”