Anyone who works in retail, especially in downtown Grand Rapids, knows you need to be many things: committed, resourceful, smart, resilient, creative and energetic just to name a few.
A good example is Marlee Grace, owner and operator of
Have Company, 136 South Division Avenue. The business, which opened in July 13, 2013 (
profiled in Rapid Growth) is a shop, gallery and artist residency space. It's focus is on handmade home goods, textiles and building community.
With a successful holiday season in the books, Grace reflects back on the past year, her commitment to downtown and 2015. "Holidays are wild. Before owning my own shop I had never worked in retail, so I honestly didn't know what to expect in December, or that it got busier at all. We doubled what we did last holiday season - which I am so incredibly grateful for."
Besides having the benefit of a full year of operations, Grace credited her online business for expanding her business beyond her storefront. "A lot of that had to do with the reach we have online and our online shop was a huge success. Such a gift to be able to send packages from our shop all over the world."
Grace says being a retailer in downtown Grand Rapids involves more than having a store front, in her view it requires an investment of heart and soul. "It's tough, but it's worth it. Between going to shows at The DAAC and later becoming a board member, volunteering at Heartside Gallery & Studio, interning with the Avenue for the Arts, and now being a business owner in the Heartside neighborhood I have over 10 years of experience down here. Sometimes the slower foot traffic and rowdiness outside the door can be a bit of a bummer, but I also believe in this street and what so many of my collaborators and neighbors are working towards, which is a greater sense of togetherness and practicing art making. Both commercial spaces and organizations providing services in the area are striving towards safer, truer, and more exciting opportunities. I'm grateful to be a part of that."
Looking forward in 2015, Grace is stoked about her next group of resident artists and makers. "I am so excited to take their classes and see their work. I'm excited for more supplies! In 2015 we'll be adding more materials for making, so when you come in you can leave with what you need to go make something at home."
To learn more about Have Company, you can visit the
website here or the Facebook
page here.
Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs News Editor
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