WRITEON FOR JAN 22, 2020
sister alies.
Do you know Michael, Laquaitta, and Marshaey? Well, they are the owners of FAVOR on the corner of Main across from FORGET ME NOT (the TIZZY LIZZY building). They happily rent from Mr. Black and are finding such a supportive owner. Living and working together for many years, the trio is from Louisville and had their ribbon cutting in October 2019. As they are the newest business to get going, I wanted to talk with them about some of the same things we looked at in the 10 week series last year.
Why would anyone start a new business in such a small town and on such a short street where many of the buildings are available and the rest of them closed even at noon? Michael was a bit incredulous. He and his wife Laquaitta said they'd picked an “area where our kind of accessories store was needed. Where people don't need to travel to find a little joy with prices to go with it. We want quality, not a rip off and starting a business is not a get-rich-quick!”
Michael shared with me the kind of research they needed to do to bring the right products to the shop. He needed to know “what and where to buy for our store. You have to know the right people. Before this we worked in wholesale so we know lots of those folks.”
He was most passionate about the notion that shops and the town seemed to be somewhat reluctant to try things that might draw folks in on a more consistent basis. “The Christmas season, or Homecoming, or Pine Tree are all great, but only once a year. What can we do to make folks want to get up and come to town?” They saw this as a win-win for customers and shopkeepers both.
Also interesting was the conversation about what it takes to build a business. He and Laquaitta shared these reflections. “When you want to start a new business you need to talk to someone who is doing it successfully...to help you consider prices and the competition. You need a fair rent and a good owner (like we have) and you must be serious and business-minded. It takes time and you will have to spend some of your money to make money.” We also dipped into the question about buying on-line. They insightfully responded “on line there's one price...come and see us and we might drop the price! And we may have a greater turnover of items.”
Other things necessary were “you need more than one person to work and to join (as we have) something like Chamber to get to know others and get support. We advertise by flyers and FB but word-of-mouth is best!”
Finally, as in my other interviews, I asked, what kind of shops so we need on the street or in town? They suggested: “a shoe store, a 'general store', a skating rink, a sweet shop, a breakfast buffet, and a bakery.” Wow, wouldn't those bring you to town!
“Mostly we want to bring joy, so come and see us! We have items for all ages of women...tweens to senior seniors!”
BLESSINGS.
