True, the climate for locally-owned businesses in Emporia has been fairly cloudy recently.
As Gazette Publisher Chris Walker pointed out right here earlier this week, in the last few years our town has seen an unusually high number of long-running businesses surrender to a desperate economy.
And, as result, its become way too easy to criticize our town for what we don’t have.
But, what Chris did not point out are the small rays of sunshine peaking through that are attempting to defy the odds of starting up a business in one of the worst recessions in our nation’s history.
They deserve some recognition, they deserve some credit, but most importantly, they deserve our business.
• First, there’s Studio 11, which opened in early November. Located at 11 E. Fourth Ave. in downtown Emporia, in many ways the retail store’s merchandise reflects the owners’ attitude and outlook on business. Selling beautifully unique items made from things like recycled bike tires, dishes, T-shirts, shopping bags, and much more, 30-something Emporians Kari Crump and Michele Boyce are in the business of looking for the silver lining and bringing out the best in what may seem hopeless.
• Just around the corner, another new retail shop is making an impression on our downtown. Twisted Sisters, 332 Commercial St., owned by two friends from Paola, carries a variety of trendy and reasonably-priced women’s clothing, shoes and accessories. Easily equivalent to a quaint, yet fashion-forward, boutique on Mass. Street in Lawrence or Towne Center Plaza in Leawood, Twisted Sisters certainly is putting a twist on what has typically been available for women in Emporia.
• Now walk just across the street and you’ll find another example of some young, yet courageous, entrepreneurs in downtown Emporia. It’s called Celebrations, 317 Commercial Street, owned and operated by Emporians Amanda Mendoza and Staci Sull. Their goal is to help clients in the Emporia area, well…party! They connect clients with local businesses who specialize in certain aspects of weddings and special events, like photography, cakes, invitations, etc.
And that’s just in the 300 and 400 block of Commercial Street. There are many more retail shops like these in town, like Punkin’ Doodles, 725 Commercial St; soon-to-be-open Black Heart’s House of Arts, 720 Commercial St.; The Rosas Place, 427 Merchant St.; and Kari’s Bridal Boutique, 904 W. Sixth Ave., all of which are doing their part to invest in Emporia’s present and future with some good old-fashioned hard work and determination.
These young retail business people are giving us what we want, Emporia. We owe it to them to give them something in return.
Stop by one of these new businesses and look around. What better excuse to buy a funky necklace, try on some hip new jeans, or to decide to throw a party?
You may be surprised what you find here.
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Technically, "Black Heart's House of Arts" isn't a new business. They just moved and (thankfully) changed the name of their business. Good people. I highly recommend 'em!
'enry
January 20, 2011 at 11:34 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
Oh c'mon Ashley, you didn't even mention that new gentlemen's club that KVOE is advertising amid moans and sighs. Wow, Sauder, your idea? Stinks!
January 20, 2011 at 3:45 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
create,
There's a new gentlemen's club in town?! Where it located and what is it called? That is one type of business where Emporia could certainly use a little competition.
I don't listen to radio much. One of my little ones pointed out that 96.1 (the wave) doesn't even air the word "sex". (in some Katy Perry song) When did "sex" become a bad word? Silly conservative radio stations... I'm surprise they'll advertise for a gentlemen's club. Why are our radio stations so conservative compared to Topeka, Lawrence, and Kansas City? Who decides what to censor?
'enry
January 21, 2011 at 8:53 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Steve_Corbin (anonymous) says...
Chris and Ashley Walker are like
"Good Cop-Bad Cop" or
Glass 1/2 empty vs. Glass 1/2 full
Nothing wrong with looking at the bright side of things, especially with this gloomy weather.
So thank you Ashley for bringing some "JOY JOY" to my day. (Sorry, I watched some Stallone last night.)
sigh, Now if I could just get those rocks out of my head;>)
January 21, 2011 at 9:09 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
Farmersdaughter (anonymous) says...
Love it Ashley!
Thank you for the great shout out to our little section of downtown. We've got some awesome neighbors down here!
Hope to keep bringing the Funky, Junky, Recycled and Handmade to Emporia for a long time!
January 21, 2011 at 9:16 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
tbluma (anonymous) says...
The "Gentleman's" club isn't new.
It's been there a long time and I really don't see the problem with KVOE making money off of the advertising.
Whether you support the business or not they do have a right to advertise and KVOE certainly is in the advertising business.
I wonder how much hell would be raised if they were advertising male dancers?
January 21, 2011 at 10:35 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
It wouldn't matter to me if the dancers were male, female, or ac/dc or whatever. Yes, I agree that they have a right to advertise, but it's the STYLE of advertising they are doing. Is it really necessary to have all the sighs and moans? I wouldn't bitch if the ads were done with a little class and not as it is currently.
January 21, 2011 at 11:40 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
create,
Don't you have a church meeting to go to? Run along now. Besides, isn't the type of music played on the radio these days all "the devil's music" anyway? Maybe you shouldn't listen to the radio if you are against certain expressions or sounds.
I bet you voted against Sunday sales too... Keep your morals to yourself! Some of us like to buy booze on Sunday and listen to relaxed women talking on the radio. They're probably just stretching, yawning or eating a delicious burger while making those sounds. Why do you assume the worst? Get your head outta the gutter! ;)
'enry
January 21, 2011 at 11:57 a.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
create (anonymous) says...
screw you, henry.
January 21, 2011 at 1:22 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )
HenryVIII (anonymous) says...
Hey-Oh! No thanks. I'm flattered, but I'm taken.
Sheesh... That must have struck a nerve, eh? I don't know that I've seen create so hostile before. Sorry, create, I hope you have a nice (calm) day.
'enry
January 21, 2011 at 1:34 p.m. ( permalink | suggest removal )