I need to get this out, so I can move on. I need to let this out of my soul, so I can stop dwelling on it and start breathing. I need to share this with you, because I don’t think I’m the only one. And then, then I need to focus on the positive. … More Tales from a Shopkeep: Covid 19 part ii
Last fall, four of us sat around a table and discussed the future of the spring BHM show. Gather had moved out of Fountain Square Mall, which meant, it didn’t make logical sense to host the spring show in that location any longer. To be honest, FSM was never the BEST place for a spring … More Tales from a Shopkeep : BHM Wrap-Up
Oh boy, this season has hit us like a mack truck, and there’s really no looking back! Where to start, where to start?! Let’s begin . . . at the beginning. Our NINTH annual Bloomington Handmade Market was just a few weeks ago, Nov 11, at the Monroe Convention Center. I can’t say enough positive … More Tales from a Shopkeep: BHM recap
Although we didn’t have a terribly cold winter, I am ready for spring: sun shine, warm breezes, open windows. I am even ready for all the muddy paw prints and extra mopping I do this time of year. Spring also has one giant advantage-spring break. Even though I’m not in school, I still look forward … More Love Living Local
It’s hard being Switzerland. And yet, here we are . . . small businesses in middle America trying to play it safe. I’ve always kept my head down. I’ve always tried to remain neutral. You have to when you run a business. You might not know that, if you don’t run a business yourself. But, … More Tales from a Shopkeep – political edition
A couple of years ago, when I first moved into Fountain Square Mall, I started to make friends with the other business owners that I would learn to call my neighbors, and eventually some of my best friends. Across the hall, I continued to get to know Nancy Bradley, the (former) owner of O’Child Children’s … More Tales from a Shopkeep -There Goes the Neighborhood
Boy, that holiday season sure knows how to sneak up on you, eh? It all begins with the Bloomington Handmade Market – every year. And this year was no different. This year BHM had a stellar cast of characters! Reviews from shoppers tell us, our best yet. Which is just delightful to hear. It was … More Tales from a Shopkeep
It’s that time of the year! I’m doing a special two-part series on shopping local in Bloomington. So whether you need gifts or ideas, I have you covered. How about winning free money while you shop? Bloomington Brick and Mortar is giving away $25 Downtown Bloomington Inc. gift certificates each week until Christmas. Take a … More Love Living Local
As many of you know, we’re ALWAYS adding new makers to our shelves. This past month, I was blessed to meet Angie Sledd thanks to my dear friend J.D Grove who opened up her own handmade shop, Conspire, in Greencastle! Today, I get to introduce you to her, and her fabulous wares! Tell us about … More Maker Monday – Joyously Essential
This past weekend we helped to organize and host our Second Annual Downtown Trick or Treat. Words can’t really express the gratitude and awe I have for our Bloomington retail community coming together to invite families downtown to trick or treat – and for our Bloomington families coming out to do just that. So, pictures … More Tales from a Shopkeep – All Hallows Eve
Gather 