Laura "Daisy" Borak

Laura "Daisy" Borak

Main St. Mooresville has lost a unique individual who contributed to the charm and ambiance that drew people from all over to our historic Downtown. Laura Borak owned Big Hat Larry's music store at 128 S Main St. since 2015 and sadly, she passed away at 44 years of age in August.

In front of the store was a coin-operated kids arcade ride (frequently enjoyed by adults too) which was a landmark for the town and a hint of the fun to be discovered inside. Entering for the first, time your senses were easily overwhelmed by the wall of guitars on the left, the sweeping guitar mural that she painted on the right, the jigsaw puzzles mounted on the ceiling, scores of Beany Babies perched above her workstation and the sound of classic vinyl music filling this eclectic boutique. For many regulars it was an oasis with a "Good Mojo" vibe.

Laura sold and repaired new and used music instruments, gave piano lessons (she was classically trained) and had a huge inventory of records and CD's for sale. Her shop was well stocked with curious music memorabilia that compelled one to extended browsing. But most of all, Laura established a place to hang out, join in an impromptu jam with other musicians or just sit around and discuss music. There were kinetic toy puzzles scattered about, which she challenged you to try your skill at. However, Laura kept the solutions secret, and without a doubt, it was her way of having you stay a little longer.

Her nickname was "Daisy" and it fit her perfectly! Her persona was part "flower child" of the boomer generation - that carefree attitude with a kind heart, abundant creativity and always a warm hug when you departed. In her youth, she joined the U.S. Air Force where she became a munition technician for B-2 bombers and earned a citation for her contribution to efficiencies in her field. Prior to owning the store, she was a graphic artist and worked for Lowe's corporate in the design/marketing department. These, and other free-spirited life experiences, influenced the way she adorned her shop in classic bohemian style. Besides her artistic talent, she had the mind of a mechanic and could repair almost any instrument that came through the door.

For many years, Daisy turned frequent customers into friends and they, along with her family, held a celebration of her life at the most appropriate place we all knew - her music shop on Main St. in Historic Downtown Mooresville.

Laura "Daisy" Borak is greatly missed, the time and talent she shared with us was way too short and our town has a void where the music and fun were once happening.