The Nook opens

—New business features local entreprenuers

 

CRESCO -The Novelty Nook and Gift Shoppe, the brainstorm and collaboration of local entrepreneurs is coming to Cresco’s Elm Street and will be opening on Wednesday, March 1, followed by a Grand Opening on March 17 and 18.
Six women, Nancy Henry, Barb Eide, Terri Smith, Marcia Bannister, Laura Lewis and Kelly Larson will be offering a variety of items from jewelry, to essential oils, all the way up to big ticket items like furniture at 116 N. Elm Street, Suite 5.
 
Coming Together
The women, all locals, joined together to create The Nook out of desire to showcase their items that were often shown in much smaller venues, with the exception of Henry and Eide, who are co-owners of Furniture Re-do & Gifts on Hwy 9, west of Cresco.
“We all worked together in the Pop-Up Shop this winter and decided to carry on and do our own shop,” said Henry. “Some of us were thinking about it even before then.”
The reaction and encouragement to open up The Nook came from positive feedback and experiences within the community.
“What is really nice about The Nook is that it allows small vendors and others in the area a chance to put their items in a central location in town,” added Lewis.
The ladies sometimes call themselves the Brick Block Building Five, since the building was the first erected in the town back in 1866. It is now spiffed up with a fresh coat of paint and small changes. 
 
 The Vendors, Products
Below is a listing of some of the items available at the Nook.
• Larson, specializes in American Girl clothes for the 18” dolls.
“My business partner is my mom,” shared Larson. “My mother taught me to sew when I was eight. My inspiration for my doll clothes is my daughter, Alayana, who is 11 now. Some of these are my own clothes and others are modified patterns.”
• Next  is Marcia Bannister.
Bannister will be offering handmade metal-stamping and beaded jewelry, handmade soaps and Himalayan salt lamps and products.
“I started making jewelry after I wanted a product for myself that I couldn’t afford,” she recalled. “So I found something similar, and it turned out great. That was five years ago. I will also be offering children’s books.”
• Smith offers products that have recently showed a resurgence in popularity — Young Living Essential Oils.
“Three years ago, I found myself looking for all natural products to support me physically and emotionally, without harmful side effects,” she said. “I found that with Young Living Essential Oils and want to share that with others.”
Smith will also be offering organic dryer balls and diffuser jewelry.
• Lewis, who offers repurposed home décor, small furniture, charming arrangements, as well as other items, shares her love of bringing new life to used products.
“I started about a year ago,” she noted. “The repurposing of home décor items began as a hobby and art therapy. It was stress relieving. I did the Pop-Up Shop after doing a few shows, and a few of the other ladies approached me about joining them in this adventure.”
• For Henry and Eide, experience in owning a small business is not new. They are the current owners and operators of Furniture Re-do & Gifts.
“We have had our business west of town five years now,” said Henry. “We wanted town exposure and this will give us that opportunity. We offer upcycled furniture, chalk paint and recently started making kids games.”
 
It Doesn’t Stop with the Brick Block Building Five
The Nook will also have space for other vendors to sell their products.
“We have eight other vendors here right now,” said Smith. “Jim Perry from Hilltop Carpentry will be offering his refinished and newly constructed furniture items. Cheryl Bronner has beautifully-crafted handmade gift cards. Annette Everson, Alley Cat Designs, has wire-wrapped jewelry for sale. Crystal Stevenson and her father, Rick Buck, from the Crafty Wood Shop create home décor, wooden signs, bean bag game sets, horseshoe art, wood benches and other items. Laura Hubka, High Gear Photography, will offer her canvas and photo prints. Denise Miller, Miller Lights, will have her soy candles and tarts for sale. Kevin and MaryAnn Neuzil, K & M Metal Designs, will have custom-made signs here as well. Felecia Pecinovsky, 7 Rivers, has some beautiful stained glass pieces for sale.”
Any vendors interested in having their work at The Nook are encouraged to get on the list.
“We can rotate vendors from month to month, and anyone interested can get on the list,” said Henry. “What’s really nice about it is that we have the opportunity to help other entrepreneurs like ourselves.”
 
Making it Work
Owning and operating a business solo or in partnership can be an overwhelming and tiring endeavor. Personalities can clash between business partners and communication can be strained, but not for these business owners.
“The various personalities and backgrounds work for us,” said one operator. “Our paths may have crossed in different fashions, but we are all very supportive and encourage each other. We are finding that what may have been an insecurity for one, can turn into strengths as we work together.”
The Nook will be open weekly, Tuesday through Saturday. Hours Tuesday through Thursday will be 9 a.m. – 6 p.m., Friday, 9 a.m. – 7 p.m. and Saturday, 9 a.m. – 4 p.m. You can also find them on Facebook by searching for “The Novelty Nook Gift Shoppe.”
Support local business. Shop local. Shop The Nook.

Cresco Times

Phone: 563-547-3601
Fax: 563-547-4602

Address:
Cresco TPD
214 N. Elm Street
Cresco, IA 52136

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