WRITEON FOR OCTOBER 2
sister alies.
Community Building 7
A ribbon-cutting is a day to celebrate and so they did. The POSH PINEAPPLE BOUTIQUE SALON & BARBER had a great time last week. The Chamber and friends were there with them. And next they won the best HOMECOMING window!
A couple of weeks ago I spoke with LORI PHELPS and KELLY WILLIAMS business owners (just after they opened Sep 3) about small towns and small businesses. It takes courage to open a new business on a main street that has little of it. Lori has done hair for over 20 years in Ackerman and said, “I came back home!” “It’s a risk I/we were willing to take. We needed both the hair and the boutique to make the money we hope for.”
When we discussed what makes for a good small business both Kelly and Lori said “a friendly atmosphere where we treat people like family. We say ‘stop here’ because we love these people!”
Carol Cobb, friend and kin, popped in exploring all the boutique things. She told me “I need help shopping and they do just that. They smile and treat this ‘customer nightmare’ so beautifully!”
“We’ve had business since we opened but local business is still a trickle in.” We discussed how they advertise and Lori explained their on-line clothing boutique, which is going very well indeed. They are on FB and they advertise in the football program, by word of mouth, and through their churches. “But we need more local businesses to help all of us. We are pleased by our central location and Dan, our landlord, just asks how he can help.”
“It is sad these other buildings are closed.” I asked her what she’d like to see on Main Street to bring things up. “An eating place like Diane’s was…fresh sandwiches and soups. The teens need a place like the skating rink that is monitored. Maybe a 50’s-style diner. We also need to keep events going like Dog Days, Open House, decorating for Homecoming and Christmas Parade and maybe we could have a color run…you know white shirts that get colors squeezed on after the 5K?” I smiled. Yes, well…
Kelly is quite an artist and her jewelry is beautiful. I especially liked the leather earrings and bracelets and they can be personalized. Very beautifully priced too! “Some of my previous clientele are drawn in and I might even talk about consignment if you bring me your work!”
Both Lori and Kelly said “We don’t want you to go out of town…we want you here. Otherwise where will our support come from?”
Boutique & Salon: 9-5 M-Fri; 10-2Sat; SALON/Barber by appointment Lori 809 1602; Kelly 803 9722.
Yea! CHARGERS…WE GOT A “C”…
BLESSINGS.
