music and woodworking creations. Visitors will notice one big difference. A hand-crafted bar anchors the store interior and will feature wine tastings from Manton-based Cedar Crest Vineyards, as well as wine for sale by the glass, bottle and case. Brandon, who will serve as storekeeper and frontman, says, “The idea, the store—the buying the 100-plus-year-old building with the oldest working pulley-elevator in the county—it all happened pretty fast. But it was a natural connection. There was absolutely no forcing the relationship with the community or the Enjoy team.” To understand the Grissoms’ journey to Enjoy the Store, Red Bluff is to reflect on the Enjoy brand, in general, and how it has grown. Yvonne Mazzotta and Michelle Adams founded InHouse Marketing and Design in 2005, parent to both Enjoy Magazine and Enjoy the Store, Redding. New business developer and ideas guy James Mazzotta (Yvonne’s husband) explains how the retail element of the business simply accentuated a commitment to promoting a positive community. “With the magazine, we consider ourselves storytellers,” he says. “We’ve always told uplifting stories that celebrate local producers and the cool things they make.” When readers began calling to find artisans from long-past issues, James had an “Aha!” moment. He thought, what if we extended our published stories into a personal shopping experience? He believed North State residents would respond to a store that carried local, unique gifts featured in the magazine. “People love to share the stories behind gifts. It shows who you are as a giver, thoughtful and not just satisfied with something generic from a big box.” Frequent shoppers validated Enjoy’s uplifting inclinations and the area’s need for a centralized outlet where artisans could grow their businesses. With two years of trial, error and success behind them, the Enjoy team sketched long-term plans to introduce a similar concept to like24 | Enjoy May 2013
minded communities. For the Grissoms, the timing was perfect. The couple was looking for an outlet to channel their community commitment as a team. The Enjoy store opportunity made sense because it blended community and togetherness. They knew it was meant to be when the historic Main Street building came up for sale. “We found a home,” says Kate. “We’re here. We’re committed.” The building has given Brandon an opportunity to use his creativity and carpentry skills. He has transformed the space, crafting displays and building the central bar. Much of their inventory will mirror their sister store’s, but the Grissoms will continue to hunt for new products. “It’s a little mind-whirling to know where to begin,” says Brandon. “We can’t look at anything now without thinking how great it would be in the store.” “Red Bluff has always been a big part of the Enjoy brand and we know the people there will embrace the store as well as we’ve seen in Redding,” says James. “We like to think of this venture as a way of honoring that community.” For the Grissoms, opening the store represents the magic of relationships built over the years and hundreds more they have yet to forge. With great pride, they swing wide their doors and invite customers, partners and friends to be amazed at the high-quality, unique wares North State artisans and entrepreneurs have to offer. • Enjoy the Store, Red Bluff • 615 Main Street Hours: Monday - Saturday, 10 am - 7 pm, Sunday, 12 - 5 pm
Carrie Schmeck is a lifestyle and family features writer who has called Redding home since 2001. When she isn’t reading, writing or researching, she might be sipping coffee with friends, cycling with her husband or browsing life for her next story idea.