Experience downtown

Despite pandemic, 6 new businesses open around Owenton's courthouse square

BY MOLLY HAINES

In the months since the first U.S. cases of COVID-19 were reported, millions of Americans have had more time on their hands than ever before. The increased time at home coupled with remote work has led many aspiring entrepreneurs to realize their dream of opening a small business.

Around Owenton's courthouse square alone, new businesses began popping up one by one, many in buildings that had long been abandoned, leading to a revival of the once-bustling shopping area and, for many, a greater desire to shop small.

Despite the challenges presented by the pandemic, Owenton's group of new business owners have found ways to work around obstacles such as supply shortages and shipping delays and hope the momentum continues long after COVID is a thing of the past.

Opening its brick-and-mortar space just weeks after Kentucky's first confirmed case of COVID, Slippery Rock Signs soon began seeing an increase in sales that owner Chelsea Gibson initially attributed to stimulus funds provided by the federal government.

Gibson, a former teacher, began the business in 2019 from her home, establishing an Etsy page that today has amassed nearly 11,000 sales. After establishing a downtown storefront, Gibson seized the opportunity to host paint parties and provide a space for local vendors to sell their wares. "(The business) started as a small side job while I was still teaching," Gibson said. "During COVID, online sales took off, and I knew that I would struggle to keep up if I went back to school. I decided to quit teaching last summer and pursue the business full-time. I was working in my basement and quickly outgrew that space. I found the perfect space in town for the business to continue to grow."

Like Gibson, Owen Originals owners Ryan and Beth Cram started their personalized gifts, decor and apparel shop from the confines of their basement. On a routine walk around the square, the couple took note of a for-sale sign adorning a West Seminary Street property and officially took ownership of the space in September 2020.

Although long-overdue repairs to the property delayed the opening of the Owen Originals storefront, the Crams have now become staples of the courthouse square, offering a fully-equipped meeting area inside the space, as well as a photography room complete with professional studio lighting.

The decision to open amid the pandemic was not one the couple took lightly. "The biggest hurdle for us was deciding whether to open with restrictions or waiting until restrictions were lifted," Beth said. "Owen County seems very divided on the topic, so we had to determine if the way we treated the pandemic would impact our customer base."

Little did they know, the two would be faced with additional obstacles, including shipping delays and supply shortages – an issue Jeff and Candi Smith have become all too familiar with.

Initially a side job for Candi, a former ER nurse, Simply Sweet opened its doors April 1. "We joked about it for years," Candi said. "When I worked at the hospital, anytime things would get really bad, I'd say, 'See, we could be working in a bakery!' I always did a lot of baking and cooking, bringing things (to the hospital) even then. After mom died — she died unexpectedly — I told Jeff we're not working every day in jobs that weren't as fun and rewarding, we were going to open our bakery or whatever we wanted to turn that in to. The more things kept happening, and everything was shutting down in Owenton, we decided we'd open something so we could at least have food, sweets, or deli stuff despite everything shutting down."

The Smiths have worked tirelessly to curate a menu unlike those at other Owenton eateries to ensure variety for their customers. In keeping prices low, they accommodate those who may be on a fixed income and can't afford the luxury of dining out often. It's an effort that anyone who has suffered financial losses throughout COVID can appreciate.

Like the Crams, the Smiths have also dealt with supply shortages and delays, but attribute the difficulty to the suppliers' lack of employees.

As for businesses like Melanie on Main and Sugar Babes Creamery, offering one particular good or service has lessened the burden for the respective owners, but all agree, pandemic or not, owning a small business is a constant challenge.

Sugar Babes Creamery, owned and operated by mother-daughter duo Melissa Kemper and Eko Chappell, opened in June and offers a variety of ice cream, toppings, and milkshakes. Chappell is also the owner of Backwards Saddle Boutique, located next door to Sugar Babes Creamery. "Small businesses that last are hard to find,” Eko said. “They’re struggling more and more than big-box stores, and yet, usually, small-business owners are the first to support the community through donations, outreach, and support. I encourage people to help support our businesses. Whether it’s one (Christmas gift) or all, I know we appreciate each sale and transaction. As far as non-residents, if they’re stopping at our businesses, I hope they’ll see the hard work and feel the small-town vibe. I hope they know by helping our businesses, they’re helping the community as a whole.”

Twenty-six-year-old Melanie Ransdell, owner of Melanie on Main, knows a thing or two about helping the community. Ransdell’s full-service beauty salon opened in November 2020, offering color, cuts, waxing, and extensions, among other services. Today, the young mother of two stays completely booked.

“Transforming clients, changing how they see themselves, and making them feel beautiful outside and inside is what it’s all about,” Ransdell said. “I truly cannot say how utterly, extremely blessed that I am for the outpour of love that my hometown has given me."

Despite the varied challenges, the group of new business owners has made an effort to breathe life back into the square, starting with a Christmas in July event — an idea the Crams brought to reality — during which the majority of the six businesses were open and offering special discounts.

In August, the Smiths hosted A Dog Day Afternoon for fans of the fourlegged population, complete with a dog show and rabies clinic. While both events took in non-perishable items for the First Christian Church Food Pantry, the latter also accepted items for Owen County Friends of Animals.

“My philosophy is community over competition,” Beth said. “We all can work together to make sure that downtown stays active. It’s gonna take all of us to put in our best effort.”

The owners hope the close bond they share and the support of one another will attract other entrepreneurs to join them.

“I hope to see Owenton with more businesses open and more events in town for people to go to,” Gibson added. “I believe (the success of the current businesses) opens a door for more to come in. There are still lots of spaces around town. I think it’s awesome that there is starting to be a wider variety of places to shop at.” v

If you go:

> Slippery Rock Signs, 110 N. Madison St. www.facebook.com/ slipperyrocksigns www.etsy.com/shop/ slipperyrocksigns u Owen Originals, 153 W. Seminary St. www.facebook.com/owenoriginals https://sites.google.com/owenoriginals.com/home

> Simply Sweet, 152 W. Bryan St. www.facebook.com/SimplySweet-104491814882337 www.simplysweetowenton.com

> Sugar Babes Creamery, 102 N. Main St. - Closed for the season, for updates visit www.facebook.com/ sugarbabescreamery

> Melanie On Main, 104 S. Main St. www.facebook.com/profile. php?id=100057087324707

> Luvie’s Gifts, Clothes, & Home Decor, 119 W. Seminary St. www.facebook.com/luvies119

Editor's note: All six businesses — Slippery Rock Signs, Owen Originals, Simply Sweet, Sugar Babes Creamery, Luvie's Gifts, Clothes & Home Decor, and Melanie On Main — were contacted for this story.