Apr 28, 2011

Manager Works And Lives In Country StoreBy Nicole L. CvetnicUticaOD.com

Vann Kent is truly at home in his store.

Kent, 61, and his 12-year-old cat, T.Ger spend their days inside the Persnickety II, a country gift store that doubles as their residence.

“I actually love living here,” said Kent. “When I decided to move in, it simplified everything. If I need to, I can walk into the store wearing my pajamas and vacuum or decorate and not have to worry.”

The store began as a floral design shop years ago. In 2004 the building, at 209 E. Bloomfield St., off Black River Blvd., was converted into a gift store.

Kent’s friend, Sue Szyikowski, owner of Persnickety in Boonville, asked to rent the front-portion of the building. As the owner of the complex and manager of the store, Kent decided to convert the 900 sq. ft. floral work room at the back of the building into his living quarters and unofficial showroom.

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