New thrift store raising money for horse rescue
By Brandy Nance (Contact)
Monday, September 15, 2008
Winding Road Thrift Shop Volunteer A.J. Wade stocks the racks with more merchandise Friday.
For Michael Soyez, opening a new thrift store in downtown Emporia isn’t just about making money off the business — it’s about the horses at Winding Road Horse Equine Rescue and Retirement.
Soyez, a long-time Emporian who now lives in Olpe, opened up Winding Road Thrift Store at 324 Commercial St. on Sept. 6 with the goal of donating a portion of the proceeds to Winding Road Horse Equine Rescue and Retirement near BETO Junction. Winding Road provides homes for rescued horses and a place for older horses to retire.
Soyez decided to open the store after the building his parents own sat empty for a period of time.
“I decided it was time to do it,” he said. “I decided this would be a good thing and I enjoy horses.”
Soyez said he grew up around horses, as his grandparents owned them.
“They didn’t use four-wheelers, they used horses,” he said.
Soyez crossed paths with Winding Road because of his karaoke business. Winding Road was holding a benefit event for the rescue and he provided karaoke services.
“I talked to Kristin (Chambers, owner of Winding Road), and thought it would be a good cause,” he said. “It’s pretty important.”
Winding Road Thrift Shop Volunteer A.J. Wade stocks the racks with more merchandise Friday.
Soyez has been self-employed all his life, he said. In addition to the thrift store, he runs a dump truck and loader and a DJ and karaoke business.
“It keeps me busy,” he said.
Soyez is taking donations for the thrift store. He said he can take just about anything usable. There’s a truck in the alley behind the store for donations or they can be brought into the store during business hours, he said. One of the challenges of running the store, he said, was keeping it filled and making sure the donations have enough quality to be sold. Soyez said he is in great need of smaller hangers for children’s size clothing along with other items people want to donate.
In the short time that he’s been open, Soyez said business is going well.
“There’s been a few days when I’ve had a line outside before I open,” he said. “I’m meeting a lot of new people. So far it’s been pretty successful.”
Soyez’s store is open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Monday-Friday and from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.