This column serves as a spotlight, highlighting the everyday people who work and live in Callaway County. The Fulton Sun takes a moment with someone who is not usually featured in the news but is just as instrumental in making our community the strong and beautiful place we all know and love.
Virginia McCoskrie has lived in Fulton for 21 years. Originally from Kansas City, McCoskrie moved to the area with her husband so he could pursue a job opportunity. For 17 years, McCoskrie has owned Smockingbirds Unique Gifts & Accessories, a store located in Fulton's Brick District. McCoskrie has two children who live in Columbia.
Q: What was your first job?
My first job was as a medical technologist in Kansas City. I did that until I started having children and then I quit the hospital.
Q: What have you done in life that was most fulfilling?
I'd say having children and having a shop. They're grown now and they share an apartment in Columbia. They're good children.
Q: What is something you are proud of?
I'm really proud of my shop and how well I've done. I've hung in there - for 17 years, I've had my shop. It made it through the financial crisis of '08 and expanded three years ago.
Q: What profession would you like to attempt?
If I'm not owning a shop, I want to be retired. I have no aspirations to do something other than this.
Q: What profession would you not like to do?
Well, being a politician. I also wouldn't want to work in a hospital again. Not because of COVID - it just wasn't my thing.
Q: What is something no one would guess about you?
I was a painfully shy child. I think that they wouldn't guess that about me. I didn't speak in any of my college classes. It really wasn't until I had my shop that I opened up.
Q: What is your favorite thing about Callaway County?
My favorite thing about Callaway County is definitely the people. I enjoy the people here so much. I've made a lot of friends in my gift shop - my customers, my employees, my friends. I'd have to say that would be the thing.