Tuesday & Wednesday

We’re combining the entry for the last two days.

The reason for this is that classes have both started up for us again, and that takes away from our time spent each day to the project.

However, that does not impede our schedule, as we planned the project accordingly from day one.

On Tuesday we interviewed Kelly Parke, owner of Ace Apparel and Body Piercing.

We feel her story as a Main Street business is very compelling and really shows that determination and self-discipline will lead to prosperity.

That theme is consistent with all the businesses that we contact on Main Street.
Each business has a different purpose, a different owner, and arguably different values. No matter how we categorize each business, hard work and dedication are a constant.

And with that, we transition into Wednesday.

Today, we were able to speak with Kim Holland and Hildi Neff, co-owners of Lotus Clothing & Jewelry Design about their perspective on Main Street and committing to environmentally sound purchasing. They also have a commitment to working with other small companies internationally, rather than large factories, and in the case of American made goods in their stores, they aim to work with companies in the Pacific Northwest.

And for them, their business goes beyond passion. It’s a source of satisfaction. Both owners have a personal interest in world traveling, and though their work does not take them to every single place they’d like to go, it does afford them the opportunity to go many places on their personal checklists.

Getting back to Lotus’ commitment to buy from other small, independent businesses for a moment. We both find that this strategy is truly beneficial for all within a given “Main Street’ community. What better way to show your support for your own community but to buy from other independent businesses.

It could be a store next door that sells cleaning supplies that are created 50 miles down the road. Or from a little known company in Mongolia that sells commercial furniture. Granted these are fictitious examples, but the point being that when independent business supports independent business, the largest form of support in the chain is complete.

Next comes ensuring the customer base swells. If we believe that one good deed leads to another, maybe it’s only a matter of time.

But we still see Main Street in Ellensburg as a thriving commerce corridor, and so do the business owners.

It may not be ideal, but it’s in a very good position, and maybe because it’s not ideal makes it something worth fighting for.

Until tomorrow!