Retail

Grand Rapids’ Economic Development Foundation grows economy, jobs across Michigan

By Newsroom

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December 9, 2010

Officials at the Grand Rapids-based Economic Development Foundation say they stand ready to help entrepreneurs throughout Michigan get funding for business expansion and job creation and retention.The Economic Development Foundation helps small businesses apply for low-interest Small Business Administration (SBA) 504 loans. That assistance has enabled Grand Rapids businesses like Adtegrity, Alternative Mechanical and Baribeau and Sons Jewelry Hospital to obtain loans to purchase buildings and equipment, and spur job growth, says Executive Director Sandy Bloem."We walk the small business through the loan application process, get it approved, get the loan funded and then stay in touch with the small business through the term of its loan," says Bloem. "With any government financing, the loan process can be pretty daunting; with us being in business for 30 years, we can put it all together and then say 'sign here.'"The SBA defines a small business as one with a net worth of $15 million or less and a net income of $5 million or less. SBA 504 loan is a partnership between a bank or credit union, the SBA and the small business: the lender provides 50 percent of the loan amount, the SBA provides 40 percent and the business supplies a 10 percent down payment -- much less than the 20 to 30 percent lenders require.The SBA portion of the loan carries a fixed interest rate for 20 years (for financing a building), a rate that is often lower than a bank's, Bloem says. "It's very common practice to give a loan for 20 years, but after five years the loan will balloon and the bank renegotiates the interest rate," Bloem says. "I don't know how your crystal ball works, but mine doesn't tell me anything about the future of interest rates."The outlook for economic development in West Michigan is good, says Bloem, and adds that growth in manufacturing, hair salons and microbreweries has prompted an increase in loan applications from local businesses in those industries.Source: Sandy Bloem, Economic Development FoundationWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

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The Music Man: Grand River Music’s Terry Poe

By Kelly Quintanilla

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General

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December 9, 2010

Grand River Music's Terry Poe is as much an entrepreneur as he is a musician. Poe talks about using the skills you have and finding collaborators who have the ones you don't, as well as the model behind Eastown's new music stop.

Chaos to clean: new showroom in downtown Grand Rapids has hot ORGanizing options

By Newsroom

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December 2, 2010

The tried-and-true expression "a place for everything and everything in its place" has come to life in a new showroom that helps customers put the stuff of their busy lives in livable, accessible, stylish order. ORG West Michigan, a custom closet and home organization company, has opened a 3,200-square-foot showroom on the Windquest Building's second floor (201 Monroe Ave. NW, Grand Rapids). Homeowners, builders, architects and designers can touch, feel and try out the array of custom organization products in all 20 colors and numerous finishes and textures.The showroom highlights solutions to a number of organizational trouble spots in homes and businesses, such as the garage, laundry area, kitchen pantry, clothes closets, craft room organization, office spaces and break rooms. Set up in vignettes, the showroom helps customers see how an entertainment system, mudroom storage or a wallbed might work in their own homes.Children have their own area to play in while parents shop. A private design studio enables ORG's designers to help customers re-envision their living or work spaces using ORG's own 3-D design technology, ORGdesign."ORG brand is a do-it-for-me product," says Carl Seymour, director of ORG. "We design it, manufacture it, and install it. We'll sit with a homeowner, a builder, or a designer and determine what they need, then have our trained installers install the product in the home or office."The showroom build-out process was extensive," Seymour adds. "We rebuilt the entire interior with the quality of finishes that might be in a client's house. We want them to be able to envision these types of products in their own homes." Holland-based Stow Co. manufactures ORG. The showroom is open by appointment.Source: Carl Seymour, ORG West MichiganWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

Local Jewelry Maker Searches for Interns as Business Grows

By Newsroom

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November 18, 2010

Grand Rapids artist Lisa J. Lehmann's business is on fire. Thanks could be attributed to a heavy dose of social media marketing, a consumer trend towards buying local, a community increasingly supporting artists and a new business coach that helps her balance the ethos of being of an artist with the daily rigors of running a business. From her home studio, Lehmann uses traditional metal-smithing techniques, combining metals & semi-precious stones to create her wearable designs. Relying primarily on social media for marketing, business has been steadily growing for the last 18 months, bringing her to the point where she "hit the glass ceiling" and knew she had taken the business as far as she could being a "lone wolf entrepreneur." With an ambitious goal of "becoming a household name in jewelry," Lehmann attended an artist conference in Asheville, NC. There, she became "absolutely awestruck" and inspired by other creative women and business owners. Subsequently, she made the decision to hire a business coach and is now invigorated by the advice to focus on her "genius work," which is creating jewelry, and to get help from others to handle day-to-day operations. Moving forward, Lehmann is in the process of interviewing interns to add to her team. She is also making plans to open a working studio with retail hours to support her growing local customer base. You can follow Lehmann on Twitter (@thebeadgirl) and you can visit her website to learn more about her studio or purchase her products. Source: Lisa Lehmann, artist, owner Studio Jewel Writer: John Rumery, Innovation and Jobs Editor.

Muskegon women’s apparel shop opens fashion boutique in downtown Grand Rapids

By Newsroom

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November 18, 2010

As soon as Grand Rapids entrepreneur Nikki Dykstra experienced the charm and allure of the Trade Center Building in downtown Grand Rapids, she knew it was the perfect place to open a second location of Lee & Birch, a women's fashion and home decor boutique. Dykstra owns the original Lee & Birch shop at 255 Seminole Rd. in Muskegon and had plans to expand to Grand Rapids late next year. But Dykstra, an interior designer, fell in love with the building (50 Louis St. NW) and seized the opportunity. She opened a temporary store the day before ArtPrize 2010 began and hopes to be in the store's more permanent location in the building by "Black Friday," Nov. 26."I love downtown, there are so many restaurants and bars, but there's not a lot of shopping," Dykstra says. "I hope we can bring in more of a retail area. The JW Marriott and the Amway Grand Plaza Hotel are right there close by. We've already had hotel people stop by and ask for flyers so they can direct guests here."The store offers a variety of women's fashions, jewelry, handbags and shoes, plus home décor and gift items. Brand names include French Connection, BB Dakota, Free People and Citizens of Humanity. "Citizens of Humanity has really nice denims and we always carry their basic boot cut jeans," says General Manager Rochelle Johnson. "They also have really great skinny jeans. And we carry David Kahn Jeans, which is a nice brand for older women. They're a really good fit with a bit of a higher rise, but still a nice contemporary look."Earlier this summer, the store launched its web site where customers can shop online. Store hours are 11 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday; Saturday 11 to 6.Source: Nikki Dykstra and Rochelle Johnson, Lee & BirchWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

Imagination Creations moves eclectic shop, hair salon to Grand Rapids’ East Hills

By Newsroom

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November 18, 2010

Heather McGartland launched her eclectic boutique of repurposed goods and its in-store hair salon five years ago when the creative shop owner moved into one of Dwelling Place's live/work studios at 120 S. Division Ave. in Grand Rapids.Now Imagination Creations has outgrown its four walls and is moving to 337 Diamond Ave., the former Darcy's Hair Studio. McGartland, a licensed hair stylist who specializes in helping people who have had hair loss from chemo or alopecia, will use two of the building's four styling chairs for her own clients and will rent out the other two – all of which are in a private salon area. "We'll have a small waiting area within the retail shop," McGartland says. "Customers can shop if they want to while they're waiting for their stylist."The retail space will feature McGartland's repurposed creations, collectibles and vintage fashions, for instance, a collection of hats from the '30s through the '60s."In the new space, I'm able to departmentalize into a shoe shop, a hat shop, a seasonal shop, a jewelry shop," she says. "I sell mostly jewelry, clothing and fashion accessories for head-to-toe day and evening wear." McGartland, her mom Susan Edwards and two friends handpick the fashions, which they procure from resale shops, garage and estate sales, and Goodwill stores. The items are cleaned, deconstructed and restructured into something brand new, like the hanging plant rooters made out of old light bulbs or the jewelry and sculpture made from melted vinyl records. "I personally get dressed for under ten bucks by adding frill and crinoline to clothes made from four or five pieces I've torn apart and remade," McGartland says.She adds, "Imagination Creations is a treasure trove, a visual explosion. We have something for everybody."The new location opens the first weekend in December. Retail hours are Thursday and Saturday 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., Friday 11 to 8. The salon is open for appointments the remainder of the week. For more information, call 616.458.1250.Source: Heather McGartland, Imagination CreationsWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News EditorRelated Articles17th Annual Neighborhood Business Alliance Awards honor local businessesAnd the nominees for Best Re-use of a Building and Best Window Display are…

Craftswoman puts it all together with move to Goei Center in Grand Rapids

By Newsroom

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November 4, 2010

Pat Haring thought she'd be an elementary school teacher all of her career, but when she opted to be a stay-at-home-mom instead, she called on her years of sewing experience to launch a part-time business, Pat's Curios Creative Sewing and Alterations. As her children grew, the business became a full-time endeavor and, in October, Haring moved it from her home near Standale to a new studio space in the Goei Center at 818 Butterworth SW, Grand Rapids. Haring says it's customers' clothing alterations that pay the bills, but her real love is creating wearable art. "A lot of my wearable art is inspired by nature. For instance, I might do a jacket in the golds and rusts of fall or the blues of the ocean," Haring says. "I create whatever people want, whether it's embellished jackets, tank tops, T-shirts or new construction clothes. They're all one-of-a-kind." Haring also makes formal gowns, monogrammed Christmas stockings, bench seats, pillows, bags and purses and quilted wearable art. One customer brought in handmade lace from The Netherlands and asked Haring to make it into a bassinet skirt. "I always toyed with the idea of having a store or working studio, but didn't know what I wanted," Haring says. "Potential customers (called) and then found out I lived in Standale and didn't want to make the jaunt out here. I thought if I had a more centrally located studio I could do more business."Just days after moving, Haring says a new customer came to her studio. The customer had been to a banquet at the Goei Center and that made it easy for her to find Pat's Curios. "I possibly wouldn't have had her as a customer if I wasn't here," Haring says. Source: Pat Haring, Pat's Curios Creative Sewing and AlterationsWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News EditorRelated ArticlesAbandoned GR furniture factory now bustling International Entrepreneurial Center

Custom-made fine jewelry brings the bling to Grand Rapids’ entertainment district

By Newsroom

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October 28, 2010

If you've ever spent time, gas and energy trying to find that one-of-a-kind engagement ring or a special pendant that's worth its weight in gold, you know the frustration of finding jewelry that's been mass-produced and is of questionable quality. The folks at Craft Revival are out to change all that with their offerings of custom-made, exclusive rings, pendants, broaches, two-finger rings, belt buckles, cuff links and more. The new store (16 Ionia Ave. SW, Grand Rapids) is the dream of owner Jayson Case, who learned the jeweler's craft from years of working alongside his father Brandon Case, a longtime West Michigan jewelry craftsman. Son, father and fellow jeweler Roger Conely showcase their innovative workmanship in the new storefront, which opened Sept. 21. "I wanted to have a store where we could create our own jewelry and create family heirlooms," says Jayson Case. "It kills me when a woman gets an engagement ring and shows it to her girlfriends and three of them have the exact same ring on. Engagement rings are such a personal selection and an emotional experience, the ring needs to be something that will last a lifetime."Case says he works with some 15 different kinds of metals, including platinum silver, two shades of white gold, three shades of yellow gold, as well as peach gold, green gold and other metals.Some pieces are ready-to-wear, but others are made exclusively for customers who want unique pieces. Case also offers several different ring styles and metals as empty mountings; a customer tries on a mounting, and then drops different gemstones into the piece to create an individual look.Store hours are weekdays noon to 8 p.m., Saturdays noon to 6 p.m. Source: Jayson Case, Craft RevivalWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News Editor

Grand Rapids’ All City Kicks kickin’ its heels over new name, new location, new sleek look

By Newsroom

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Development News

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October 14, 2010

All City Kicks has sold some of the coolest urban apparel and athletic shoes in Grand Rapids for the past five years, making a name as one of the visionary businesses in the redevelopment of what was once a desolate and decaying South Division Avenue. And now, owners Edwin Viceroy and Jason Stewart are kickin' it up a notch with a chic new brand and name – ACK – and a move to Eastown. ACK opens October 18 in the LEED-certified Phoenix Building, 1500 Wealthy SE. The Phoenix replaced a building leveled by a gas explosion in 2008. "This being a brand new building, we felt like the feel needed to be different, to be more chic," says Stewart. "We drew a lot of inspiration from airports – moving forward, traveling, being fast-forward. I think it will be a real shocker for customers who came into the old store because the look is going to be vastly different."Stewart hired interior designer Julie Jensen and says she was an integral part of creating the store's signature design piece – the visual work Stewart calls "the number one secret in the store," the…the…thing that is still a secret. Stewart says folks will need to stop by to see how ACK used the airport motif and different time zones to "make note of Grand Rapids as being an important place within this world."The store will still carry its high-end, eye-catching shoes and streetwear by Nike, Adidas, Creative Recreation, Crooks & Castles and 10Deep plus some new lines – Converse, Pro/Keds and Generic Surplus. "When I think about our store, I like to think of it as a lifestyle and a culture," Stewart says. "It's more than a customer coming in and looking for a particular product. We look at it as camaraderie; people come in and watch a game and talk music or art or sports. It's a place to be a part of, within the culture of all those things."Source: Jason Stewart, ACKWriter: Deborah Johnson Wood, Development News EditorRelated ArticlesGrand Rapids mixed-use development brings new life to Eastown lot left vacant after explosion

Michigan talent: Local entrepreneurs launch innovative new shelving unit

By Newsroom

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Entrepreneurship

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October 7, 2010

Looking for a sturdy, weather-resistant shelving unit for her herbs, Lynn Smith couldn't locate something that worked well on uneven ground. As a serial entrepreneur, this problem was only an opportunity to create something on her own. Using earrings and chopsticks to build the first prototype, she designed a model that served as a catalyst for her new invention. As the saying goes, the rest is history. Smith and Mike Suman, owner-principles of AngleWorks, LLC, recently introduced the first product of their company,<a target="_blank" href="http://ileanstore.com/"> iLean™.</a> Their product is a sublimely simple solution to Smith's problem of needing impromptu shelving systems that can be used in a wide variety of environments. Featuring interchangeable shelves, steel support wires and multiple options for materials, the applications are limitless. Smith states the reaction from customers, distributors and retailers has "been wildly wonderful. Everyone is enthused. They are enamored at the ease of the product." Smith outlines how it only weighs 17 lbs., is delivered fully assembled and can be configured in a multiple ways. Smith and Suman refer to it as a "lifestyle tool" that can be used room-to-room, in the office, dorm or outside in a variety of settings. Suman and Smith have also been surprised by a couple of applications they never thought of. "The RV industry was a pleasant surprise.  You can buy an extra set of brackets and place (the product) outside of the motor home. It is perfect for a quick lunch setup." Another surprise was with the retail display industry.  Smith indicates the flexibility and design make it attractive for a point-of-purchase display. As enthusiastic and optimistic as Suman and Smith are for their new venture, they are also very proud of the process and support system. "It was Michigan talent," they say. Besides being manufactured in Michigan, they also pointed out the legal, financial and accounting infrastructure they tapped into. Suman explains, "since 2002, a cottage support system for inventors" has taken root. There is a "tremendous amount of talent here," citing the wealth of industrial designers who understand the dynamics of the new economy, "especially the need for speed." <object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/idKnOBZTOjU?fs=1&hl=en_US"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/idKnOBZTOjU?fs=1&hl=en_US" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object>Source: Lynn Smith and Michael Suman Writer: John Rumery