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.
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.
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https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RyWdRDQLTUg
Tags: indiana, kosciusko, shopping, small business, warsaw