Thanksgiving is fast approaching and I can’t help but think of all the things I am thankful for. Two beautiful and healthy daughters, an amazing husband, a supportive family, food on the table, clothes on my back, and a small business that is steadily growing.
Though I would love to gush on about my family and all the other wonderful things I am thankful for, I really want to talk to you about my business. I started my small business in 2016 after unexpectedly losing my job. One month after losing my job, I find we are expecting bambino numero dos. Needless to say, it was a big shock but also a blessing in more ways that I can count.
Losing my job and expecting a new baby, made me take a leap of faith I would not have otherwise taken. I started my own business. I needed to help supplement my husbands income but I also wanted to be able to stay home to raise our children.
I started Jessica Lehman Design, mainly as a small side gig. I was nervous, I had never had my own small business before. I knew I wasn’t going to immediately have a steady paycheck coming in (which we definitely needed), and I wasn’t sure Johnstown was the right market. Let’s face it, Johnstown area isn’t exactly the interior design capital of the world. We are about 10 years behind in design trends and I wasn’t sure how receptive folks would be to interior design services.
But in the two years since then, my “side gig” has grown from a side gig to an actual honest-to- goodness business. Let me tell you why. Because our local community supported me, they valued my services and saw the need for what I provide. And they continue to do so. Because of the Johnstown area community, I have a growing business that lets me stay home to raise my children while helping my husband create a better life for our family. And for that I will always be grateful.
So, in an effort, though small, to support other local small business in our community I put together a list of seven local small businesses. Though I would have loved to include many more, I chose businesses that are related to interior design, home decor, and gifts. These businesses I either personally shop at and recommend or have come highly recommended to me through other members of the community.
So, let’s continue to support each other and help each other achieve our goals and dreams. Shop local! Stop in an say hi, show your support for these small businesses that help make our community wonderful. You might leave with not only a cool gift, or something that you need, but also with a new found friendship. So, let’s continue to support each other and help each other achieve our goals and dreams. Shop local!
Small business Saturday is November, 24th!
Peaced Together
Peaced Together is owned by Crista Verhovsek, a stay at mom of three(with one on the way!!). Crista and her husband have always had a love of antique and vintage pieces, so upon leaving her job at the hospital to be a stay at home mom, she began finding ways to repurpose old pieces into new. Before long her pieces started to sell and Peaced Together was born! It started with a few skeleton key necklaces, door hardware cuffs and button bracelets and has grown far from there. She now spends a lot of time painting custom signs on salvage or faux salvage wood as well as old roofing slates. She also fashions jewelry from skeleton keys, old hardware, buttons, brooches, watch parts, shoe clips and more! Wine stoppers from old door knobs are a fan favorite too! She doesn’t have steady hours but is willing to meet by appointment. She does have open house nights, so make sure to like her Facebook page to get updates! She is located at 100 Clinton St. Johnstown and can be contacted through her Facebook anytime for ordering!
Not Too Shabby
Not Too Shabby is owned by Renee Cramer, who also owns Uptown Painting Party! Renee loves to transform the world around her. She has expressed her creativity in many different forms over the years from doing hair and nails to interior decorating, faux wall painting and plastering techniques, murals, sewing, reupholstering and painting furniture, making flower arrangements and crafts as well a liturgical dancing and singing!
Not 2 Shabby is a home decor store located at 101 W. Main St. Somerset, Pa, 15501. They offer modern farm house decor, hand made crafts, custom wood signs, wreaths and hand painted items.
Tag Sale Shoppe
The Tag Sale Shoppe is a consignment furniture store located in Johnstown and this is currently their ninth year of business. They have an ever changing inventory including large furniture pieces ( modern, vintage and antique), wall decor, area rugs and smaller accessory items as well. The Tag Sale Shoppe inventory is constantly updated because of daily discounts, recieving merchandise nearly every day. The Tag Sale Shoppe business is a way for customers to update or decorate affordably without purchasing new. They also help customers who are downsizing or moving sell their extra home goods. The Tag Sale Shop also offers one of the largest consignment furniture and home good inventories in the area. Located at 1513 Scalp Ave. Suite 360 Johnstown PA 15904.
http://tagsaleshoppe.com/page/home.html
Jessica Fuller Handmade
Jessica Fuller Handmade is a crocheting side project of Jessica Fuller’s. Jessica has been crocheting since her Great Grandmother taught her almost twenty years ago. She loves seeing her customers faces when they see the finished product and how happy it makes them. Her favorite items to make are the animal rugs but hats and scarves are still her most frequent sellers. While she doesn’t have a physical shop, you can contact her through her Facebook page as well as see more photos of her work.
The Emporium
The Emporium opened in the early 1970’s and has been under current ownership since 1982. They feature professionally handcrafted items from across the US- pottery, windchimes, jewelry, blown glass, trolls, candles, handmade soaps, etc… They are open part time on a seasonal basis – Spring through Christmas and specialize in unique gifts. You can find them at 3006 Somerset Pike Johnstown, Pennsylvania 15905-8204.
Church Mouse Emporium
The Church Mouse Emporium is owned by Jill Lisankis, a native of Latrobe, Pa. She has resided in the Johnstown area for over 10 years. She has decades of retail experience, and working for Small Business. Some years ago, she decided to branch out for herself. An established, woman-owned business, Church Mouse Emporium offers an eclectic supply of vintage, retro, and antique items for your home. She carries resale items including furniture, wall art, lamps & lighting, homegoods, estate jewelry, barware and dinnerware. The shop also houses local artisan-made wares for your gift-giving needs. Church Mouse Emporium has a Facebook page to view the items it carries, as well as business hours.
Church Mouse Emporium is located at 828 Diamond Boulevard, Johnstown, at the corner of Luzerne Street, just off Route 271, Menoher Boulevard. The shop is housed in a building that also holds two other small businesses, MillHouse Cafe and Young Heart Books & Toys.
Leading Edge Supply and Design Center
Leading Edge Supply and Design Center is owned by Neil Diamond a long time resident of the Johnstown area. Neil has extensive knowledge in the construction field and recognized the value that his store could offer the area. Neil took ownership of Leading Edge in November of 2013- growing it to include a full kitchen and bath design center. Whether you are a homeowner or a professional contractor, Leading Edge is a great resource for you next project. They provide you with the small town service you deserve, while offering professional design and remodeling supplies. Located at 303 South Main St. Davidsville, PA 15928.
As my gift to show my appreciation for the support our community has shown us. I am offering 30 % off ANY design package or local service. All you have to do is mention this blog post when you schedule your 30 minute discovery call! AND if you happen to stop in and purchase from any of the wonderful businesses above, you get an added surprise bonus! Valid 11/16/18 throught January 1st, 2019
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