Savor K County: Shopping Small Yields Big Rewards In Downtown Warsaw

Growing up in Warsaw, Indiana, I never really took time to comprehend the importance of shopping at small businesses, especially locally owned ones. I was more worried about what girls were going to be at the old Lake Theater downtown and whether or not I was going to be able to hold one of their hands and maybe, just maybe, get a kiss. While the movies ended up being a lot more dependable than the latter two, I now realize that even though I didn’t recognize it back then, I was doing my small part to help support local downtown businesses.

Custom_Cover_Photo_Love

This blog has always supported locally owned businesses, mostly through stories about our local dining scene. Looking for other avenues to branch out further through the “Savor K County” posts and other means, however, the importance of promoting other local small businesses becomes even more important. As the husband of a small business owner, it hits home … literally.

“… a community that understands the importance of supporting and shopping small business.”

The Warsaw/Winona Lake area and Kosciusko County as a whole is a wonderful community. Generous when it comes to supporting local charities and lavish when it comes to supporting local businesses, the generosity isn’t lost on local business owners. Michelle Smith LeDrew, owner of Glam Boutique, states that “We live in a community that understands the importance of supporting and shopping small business. Because of that, we all enjoy a thriving and diverse collection of shops, eateries and entertainment in our own backyard.” She is appreciative of the community’s support – “Thank you for loving where you live and supporting our dreams as small business owners.”

Find out more about Glam Boutique, “a carefully chosen collection of trendy, classic and specialty accessories and clothing …”

View of downtown Warsaw, Indiana. Photo courtesy of Chris Sanchez/Clear Vision Media. All rights reserved.

Elise Wright, owner of Elysian and Company, hopes that others recognize how instrumental their support is to local businesses. ”Sometimes I wonder if people realize what impact supporting the small businesses in our community truly has. When you shop local, your money stays local. It allows us to keep our lights on and heat our homes. It allows us to eat at local restaurants, fund/support local charities and continue employing and empowering locals.” Going on, she remarks that “My favorite part is that our community’s support fuels my dreams of owning and operating my businesses. Every single purchase makes a difference. And business owners truly do a happy dance when you shop at their establishment.”

“The need for the community’s support and dollars to stay local is dire, especially during the holiday season.”

Stressing the importance of the holiday shopping season, Elise observes that “The need for the community’s support and dollars to stay local is dire, especially during the holiday season. We work all year preparing and thoughtfully choosing the best products to offer in hopes you will find something for yourself or your loved ones to enjoy.” Like Michelle, she is also thankful for the support her business has received – “It could be/is difficult for small businesses to stay afloat in our day and age as we are competing with big box stores and e-commerce big wigs such as Amazon. I just want to say thank you to everyone who has shopped at and continues to support Elysian Company. It tells me that we are truly appreciated and needed in our community.”

Check out the goings-on at Elysian, where they specialize in “apparel, home goods, and gifts for the trendy and creative soul”

The next time you’re looking for a gift for that special someone or just want to treat yourself, consider a locally owned small business like Glam or Elysian. The money stays local, you’re helping out your neighbors and that money you spent? You never know – you could benefit from it yourself someday. If you’re looking for other downtown Warsaw shopping options, check out the following handy dandy list:

Nicole’s Hair and Nails (located at Three to Tangle – 111 N. Columbia St.) – Beauty salon that offers cosmetology services along with retail items.
Warsaw Cut Glass – Just outside the immediate downtown area but worth the couple blocks to get there for their unique items.
Brooch Boutique – “We specialize in the latest trends in cute, comfy, and affordable ladieswear.”
Latte Lounge/The Cave On The Square – Coffee shop/gallery. Also, “a therapeutic Himalayan Salt Room and infrared sauna. We carry many different salt products from lamps to bathing salts.”
Jerky Shop – Jerky, lots of it.
Male Fashions – Men’s apparel.
Meraki – ” stylish + affordable clothing” for women.
MudLOVE – The downtown outlet for the non-profit that makes handmade pottery and jewelry.

[googlemaps https://www.google.com/maps/embed?pb=!1m14!1m12!1m3!1d1500.1515278926543!2d-85.85807036360379!3d41.23695610060077!2m3!1f0!2f0!3f0!3m2!1i1024!2i768!4f13.1!5e0!3m2!1sen!2sus!4v1542813156867&w=600&h=450]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyWdRDQLTUg

Tags: indiana, kosciusko, shopping, small business, warsaw

Categories

Places to Eat

Places to Stay

Beaches & Lakes

Nine Must-Visit Places to Eat in Warsaw and Winona Lake

  Nine Must-Visit Places to Eat in Warsaw and Winona Lake Looking for great places to eat in Warsaw and Winona Lake? You're in for a treat! Our local food scene offers a variety of flavors that will satisfy every craving. From sushi to pizza to Mexican food and...

Coffee for a Cause – Generous Coffee Brews Up Change in Downtown Warsaw

  Generous Coffee Brews Up Change in Downtown Warsaw: A New Café with a Heart If you’re a coffee enthusiast like me, you’re always on the lookout for the next great cup of joe. But what if your morning coffee could do more than just wake you up? What if it could...

La Pasadita – A Taste of Mexico in Warsaw, Indiana

La Pasadita: A Taste of Mexico in Warsaw, Indiana Welcome to La Pasadita, a hidden gem in Warsaw, Indiana, where the vibrant flavors of Mexico come alive. Whether you're a local or just passing through, La Pasadita offers a culinary experience that will transport you...

Discover the Heart and Soul of Claypool – Someplace Else Saloon

Discover the Heart and Soul of Claypool - Someplace Else Saloon Claypool, Indiana, may not be the first place that comes to mind when you think of culinary delights, but tucked away in this quaint town is a true hidden gem of a restaurant - Someplace Else Saloon. What...

Savor Kosciusko: A Culinary Expedition Through Local Flavor

In its second iteration, the Savor Kosciusko event is set to showcase the diverse local culinary scene that defines this region in Indiana. As a staple in the community, this event underscores the importance of bolstering the county's homegrown dining establishments....

Savoring Local Flavors – A Delectable Experience at Rocksteady Pizza Parlour in Downtown Warsaw

In the heart of downtown Warsaw, Indiana, a new culinary gem of a restaurant has emerged and its name is Rocksteady Pizza Parlour. This locally-owned establishment has quickly become a favorite among discerning pizza enthusiasts. My recent visit to Rocksteady...

HopLore Brewing’s Warsaw Location Becomes Ghost Spot Kitchen and Taproom

In a post shared to their Facebook page, HopLore Brewing announced a rebranding of sorts for their Warsaw location. The Warsaw building, located downtown on Market Street, will now be known as Ghost Spot Kitchen and Taproom. Still offering the popular HopLore brews,...

Winona Lake Named One of the Best Small Towns for Families

Previously named one of the 10 best small towns in the Midwest, Winona Lake recently added to its accolades by being named "one of the 12 best small towns in the US for families" by Travel & Leisure. In naming Winona Lake one of the best small towns for families, the...

Warsaw/Winona Lake Community Named Most Charming Small Town in Indiana

In news that will comes as absolutely no surprise to anyone who calls the area home, Warsaw and Winona Lake were named the most charming small town in Indiana by HGTV. Citing Winona Lake (the lake itself), the Village at Winona and the "concerts, performances and...

Restaurant Review – Cardoso 520

Labeling Warsaw's Cardoso 520 a Mexican restaurant might be selling it short. While Mexican dishes are part of the menu, you'll find much more varied fare than at other typical Mexican restaurants. With house specialties consisting of stir fry, salmon, steak and...
Buy me a coffee!