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Born Free Children’s Boutique Dresses Children With Style, Ecology i

Belmont Shore, CA - The inspiration for Marina Barreras-Hernandez’s small business in Belmont Shore came from her nearly 2-year-old daughter.The store, Born Free Children’s Boutique, is geared toward ecologically and style-conscious families.Barreras-Hernandez, 32, offers all-cotton,... more »

Local Business Spotlight: Strawberry Patch

Ankeny, IA - The Kirschbaum family started Strawberry Patch in 1980 as a quaint store specializing in gifts, wicker furniture and kitchen items. The store gradually added Iowa State and University of Iowa novelty items,... more »

New Vintage Shop Opens in Downtown Papillion

Papillion, NE - When Rhonda Ryan moved to Papillion earlier this year, she needed to find her own entertainment while her husband was working and her son was in school.So Ryan took inspiration from the... more »

Gift Shop Supports Glace Bay Heritage Museum

Glace Bay, NS - A facility that showcases a community's unique history is also home to unique gifts that allow the ongoing operation of the historic setting.The place in question is the Glace Bay Heritage... more »

The Ugly Duckling Offers One-of-a-Kind Furniture

Salisbury, NC - Shane and Laura Benfield named their new business after a fairy tale.“The name The Ugly Duckling comes from the children’s story about the ugly duck that went on to become a beautiful... more »

The Little Yarn Shop That Could: Threadbender Celebrates 30 Years in Business

Wyoming, MI - On the first day of May, Juliane Anderson did what she has done for the last 30 years. She went to work.For three decades, Julie, as she’s known to her customers, has... more »

Shop Finds Success Through Faith, Fair Trade

Fort Myers, FL - Operating out of 120 square feet behind a florist on Cleveland Avenue near downtown Fort Myers, He, she & me was a pipe dream started by two teachers in 2006. The... more »

Mother-Daughter Duos Collaborate to Open Stylish Stores

Brentwood, TN - Most mothers cherish a homemade card to celebrate Mother's Day. But a pair of mother-daughter friends seem to celebrate the familial bond every day as they design, collaborate and create at stores... more »

Fort Orange General Store

Albany, NY - Friends Caroline Corrigan and Katy Smith planned for years to open a business in downtown Albany. They had a couple different ideas -- including an urban grocery. But they ultimately ended up... more »

Northfield’s ‘Cocoa Bean Toys & Sweets’ a New Take on Traditional Downtown Business

Northfield, MN - For the past couple of weeks, Felicia Crosby has been like a kid in a candy store. Her own candy store.While she might not be considered a kid anymore, one of her... more »