decatur il small business – Page 8

October 27, 2016October 27, 2016

Shop On Main | Small Business Feature

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I have a fabulous local business to share with you today!! I’ve had the honor to work with Cindy, the owner of Shop on Main, in a number of ways in my time here in Decatur. She’s designed beautiful wedding decor for a few of my brides and just a couple years ago I had the chance to photograph her and Mark in their beautiful home. But today, I’m even more excited to be able to show off her boutique located right in the heart of our city. Shop on Main is really the perfect store for all things lady; clothing, stunning jewelry, handbags, accessories, décor, gifts…. ladies if you want it, this shop has it (and I guarantee you’ll find things you didn’t even know you needed, but you do, you so do!).

So enough gushing from me… read on to hear more about this shop straight from Cindy herself (and get out those Christmas lists ladies, you’re going to want to take notes).

The Details: Cindy Deadrick Wolfer, Owner at Shop On Main | In Business: 39 years

Hours: M-F 10-5, Sat 10-4 By Appointment | Location: 407 N. Main, Decatur, IL | Phone: 217-422-2674

Tell us about your business… What do you do? We are a unique boutique featuring women’s clothing, accessories, gifts and décor.

What makes your business unique/special? Our boutique is special in many ways:

We do not “over order” meaning that we order just a few of each item.

We work with our clients to make sure the items they select are used in a fashion that reflects their personality.

We carry special lines of accessories that are only available at our location and in one local store

We have great customer service, including private shopping, client “wish lists for special occasions, gift wrapping, delivery and shipping.

We have plan “special events” including Sip and Shop Saturdays and informal modeling at the Wildflour on the last Thursday of each month.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? I love the south so I love the Hilton Head inspired Spartina Collection of purses, jewelry and accessories. These linen and leather handbags are awesome.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have private shopping for those that just can’t get in during regular hours. Our dedicated staff also makes sure that our clients are thanked and called when a particular line of item arrives at Shop On Main.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Let us decorate their home for the Holiday using our wonderful Holiday décor.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I love each of the boutiques downtown because they each have their own personality. As store owners, we try hard to carry a variety of lines so that the same item is not seen over and over.

Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? I have always wanted to be in business for myself and I have loved retail forever. Displaying the merchandise is my favorite part of working at the Shop On Main

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? Early early early in my childhood. Wanted to have the ability to be creative on a day to day basis.

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family and my community.

Describe your PERFECT day… Every day is perfect in some special way.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Paulette– wears about 6 different pairs of shoes in a day and is a dynamo when it comes to serving our clients.

Madalyn– only works one day a week, but is great with putting together a “special individual look” for our clients.

Cathy– creates awesome displays and unique combinations of attire to make a “statement”.

Donna– knows everyone and often has people stop in to see her newest “look”.

Renee-plans our events and style shows using her knowledge from her modeling days.

See the latest news at:

https://www.facebook.com/ShopOnMainIL/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS – We’re looking for new businesses to feature in 2017-2018 and we’d love to talk with YOU. These features are FREE and you can contact us at mail@sjanephotography.com now to get yours scheduled.

September 29, 2016September 26, 2016

| Jenner Ag | Small Business Feature | Harristown IL |

For today’s feature we’re getting a little bit outside of town to Harristown to take a look inside, outside and around at Jenner Ag Sales Corporation. Not only does the Decatur area have a rich boutique retail market but being in the heart of American agriculture of course we’re home to our fair share of Ag-focused businesses so this month we want to invite you to learn more about Jenner Ag!

The Details: Steve Jones, President at Jenner Ag Inc.| In Business: 55 years

Hours: M-F 7-5 | Locations: Harristown, Taylorville and Fairbury, Illinois. Mobile field service techs on the road throughout Illinois and Indiana. | Phone: 217-963-2241

Tell us about your business…What do you do? Jenner Ag serves the agriculture industries in Illinois and Indiana as a leading provider of application equipment, including Case IH, New Leader, Raven and more. The company supports Central Illinois farmers and garden enthusiasts from our Taylorville store with Case IH, Kubota, Cub Cadet, eXmark and Echo products. We help farmers revolutionize their operations with the latest technology through Jenner Precision, partnering with Precision Planting, 360 Yield Center, Ag Leader and more.

What makes your business unique/special? Revolutionary is our mission. We live this every day by increasing customer profitability, reducing risk, making it easier to do business, and improving environmental stewardship. We were recently nominated for our third consecutive Great Game of Business All-Star Award, and it’s something we’re very proud of. The Great Game of Business, Inc. was established to help companies implement the open-book management practices outlined in the book The Great Game of Business by Jack Stack. The organizers describe the award this way: “The All-Star Awards are a public acknowledgement that your company is unique—an organization that runs their business in a way that includes trust, business education and involvement, shared risks and shared rewards, and open communication.”

In what way have you gone above and beyond in the past for a customer? I think customers tell the story best. Here are three of my recent favorites about each division of our company:

“Your people light the world on fire. Your man David is all over it. He knows more than you can imagine about an ammonia bar in 10 minutes on the phone. You earned our business today. I’ll go around the country and tell everyone in the world if they don’t run your stuff they’re nuts.”—On Jenner Harristown

“The last combine I bought new and had problems with the depth system on it and fought it for three years. Finally your man came out, and within a week, he had it figured out, and I haven’t had a problem since. I can’t see you doing any better than Jenner.”—On Jenner Taylorville

“I was looking at singulation and spacing. Both were at 98.9 at only 9 mph. I kicked it up to 10.3 mph, and both went to 100%. I can plant at [those speeds] easily and accurately. With everything I planted, I don’t think I saw a missing stalk.”—On Jenner Precision

What are you passionate about outside of business? Personal development and education. It’s why I feel so strongly about The Great Game of Business. We have been part of the Game for five years, and employees tell me it impacts and improves every aspect of their lives. I couldn’t agree more.

WHY did you choose to do what you do? I grew up on a farm, and I wanted to farm, but in the ’80s there was little room for additional expense because of low commodity prices and high interest rates. I sought out a career in agribusiness and worked to reinvest the passion I had for this field. That passion lead me to business ownership and the opportunity to introduce others into the field of agribusiness and the great opportunities found within the industry.

Introduce us to your STAFF… We have 80 team members at three locations. Our employees are like second family. We all work together to improve the business and enrich each other’s lives. Training is ongoing for both personal and professional development, so that each of our team members has the opportunity to grow their lives outside of work and develop into a strong member of our team and society.

See the latest news at:

http://www.jennerag.com/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

August 25, 2016November 10, 2017

Millie & Bo’s Pet Barkery | Small Business Feature

It’s time again for us to focus on another favorite local business in Decatur! This month we’re looking at someplace special for your fur babies, Millie & Bo’s Barkery. They have everything you need to spoil, treat and pamper your pooches (especially after a vet visit at Northgate Pet Clinic across the lot).

The Details: Charlene Fitzpatrick, Manager at Millie & Bo’s Pet Barkery | In Business: 14 years

Hours: T-F 9-5:30, Sat 9-3| Locations: 2890 N MLK Jr Drive, Decatur IL (located in Northgate Pet Plaza) | Phone: 217-872-1111

Tell us about your business…What do you do? Millie & Bo’s Barkery is an upscale dog bakery and boutique in Decatur, IL. We bake dog treats, sell unique dog toys, as well as greeting cards, and dog themed jewelry. We also have a large variety of dog-clothes in our store and we also offer unique gifts for that dog-lover in your life. We also sell dog food, including Fromm and Hill’s Science Diet.

What makes your business unique/special? Millie & Bo’s offers all-natural dog treats, most of which are made in-store. We also offer treats with frosting if you are looking for something a little extra-special for your pooch. We also offer unique products for your pooch, majority of which are made in the USA… and there’s a set of big hedgehog cages in case customers need some cuteness and a cheerful charge for a day.

In what way have you gone above and beyond in the past for a customer? We go above and beyond for customers by bringing in special order items that we don’t normally carry. We try to make sure we offer one-on-one service with all customers because we want everyone to love our store just as much as we do. We want to always make sure that our customers are happy when they leave our store.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Someone brought us homemade cookies at Christmas last year.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Why? I would say Beachy’s in Arthur because they supply us with all of our cooking necessities.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? Millie & Bo’s employees are frequent visitors at Coffee Connection for all of our lunch needs! And they also hand out our cookies to all of their visitors with dogs.

WHY did you choose to do what you do? My dream job came true at Millie & Bo’s. I started working as a baker here and then I was able to move into a managerial position. I love working with dogs and always being able to please my customers. And best of all, I get to bring some of my dogs to work!

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? Our goal at Millie & Bo’s is to provide fun in your pet’s life. Angee Baker is our owner and she started this business and named it after her two dogs at the time, Millie & Bo. Ten percent of our profits will always be given to animal care agencies!

What are you passionate about outside of your business? We are passionate about sponsoring and supporting dog-related events throughout Decatur, IL.

Describe your PERFECT day… A gratifying day is when we are able to have a lot of customers bring their dogs in!

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Charlene Fitzpatrick, Manager– Charlene has 9 dogs: 7 miniature dachshunds and 2 standard poodles. Charlene was also born and raised in Burbank, California.

Alexa Jones, Sales Associate/Baker– Alexa has two miniature Australian Shepherds named Redd and Blue. She attends Eastern Illinois University when she is not baking dog treats.

Nikki Macke, Sales Associate/Baker– Nikki has a lab mix named Murphy who she loves to take on long walks and she also enjoys spending time with her sons Adam and Max!

Gillian Jones, Sales Associate/Baker– Gillian is Alexa’s little sister and she will be playing volleyball at Parkland this fall.

*** They even have special pieces to help you remember your beloved pets once they’ve passed…

See the latest news at:

http://www.millieandbosbarkery.com/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog

July 28, 2016July 28, 2016

Giggles | Small Business Feature | Decatur IL Shops on Merchant Street |

I’m so so excited for today’s blog post! Today I’m kicking of a series of features of some of the Decatur area’s fantastic local businesses. Each month (on the last Thursday of the month) I’ll have a brand new business to share with you. Decatur if FULL of amazing small businesses from shops to restaurants and talented small business owners from designers to mechanics. As a small business owner myself I know it can be tough, time consuming and expensive to get your name out into your market so I’m going to use my abilities to introduce YOU to THEM!

I’m starting with Giggles on Merchant! This shop is an amazing pandora’s box of wonders for kids of all ages (0-99)! You’re going to see a LOT of images in this feature but I can guarantee you I didn’t capture everything they have to offer you so you will definitely have to go in to see more for yourself (and stop by their brand new location at The Children’s Museum)!

The Details: Chrissy Spurlock, Owner/Manager at Giggles of Decatur & Giggles at the Museum | In Business: 8 years

Hours: Downtown: M-F 10-5, Sat 10-4, Sun closed Museum: M-F 10-4, Sat 10-4:30, Sun 1-4:30 | Location: 124 Merchant Street & 55.S Country Club Road (inside Children’s Museum of Illinois) | Phone: 217-475-1099

Tell us about your business…What do you do? We are a whimsical gift and card store that specializes in personalization & on-site custom invitations. We are a one stop shop… grab a gift, get a personalized gift bag, card and you’re on the way to the party!!

**I totally bought that contact case and it makes my day a little better every morning and evening!

*** Stocked up on books for baby B while I was there too (I swear I’m going to go broke doing these features!).

What makes your business unique/special? We are known for our Piggy Banks which we personalize and we also we strive to find unique toys/items that are not found at major retailers.

We LOVE everything in our store but out of it all I think everyone should have a custom personalized PIGGY BANK!!

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We try and give each person the best customer service possible! That is why people keep coming back to us.. we help them create a one of a kind personalized item for that special occasion and if needed we do it on the spot (Same day service)!!

What’s the coolest thing a customer has ever done for you? We love are customers so much. We had one customer bring us cupcakes, another a banana cream pie! We have a long time customer that sends us flowers on our birthdays!

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Why? It would have to be Del’s! We work together on a variety of things! Especially packaging items. We personalize the bucket/tote/pail and then Del’s fill it with their yummy goodies!

Why did you chose to do what you do? I grew up coming to this store and have always wanted to be a part of it… and I love our customers!! They are the best… love hearing people laugh everyday!

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Gay , She is our on-site Artist and has been with the store from the very beginning when it was “Just a Couple of Cards” .. 20 plus years!!

Judy, She is our onsite merchandiser. She can somehow make everything fit in our store! She also owned her own store “The Apple Peddler” for 19 years!!

Andi, She is our computer savvy go-to with a great sense of humor that always keeps us Giggling! She loves her 2 frenchies!! Woof-Woof

There is definitely LOTS more to see at Giggles, some of which you’ll find behind these doors… but you’ll have to go in to see them (no peeking here).

See the latest news from Giggles at: http://www.gigglesonmerchant.com/ | http://www.childrensmuseumofil.com/visit/museum-store/

View our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more from Sarah Jane Photography on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog

February 6, 2014March 6, 2018

Decatur IL Small Business: The Perfect Pair Antiques & Salon | Sarah Jane Photography

Its time again for our small business feature, the first of the year since I was gone most of January. I’m very excited to be featuring The Perfect Pair Antiques & Salon… that doesn’t even begin to highlight all the wonderful things this place offers!

I had wondered into Wanda’s shop once before but was re-introduced to this awesome space by Elizabeth VanHoutan (who you might remember from my September small business feature) who hosts her Paint Like Me Parties at The Perfect Pair. It’s come a long way in the past year and I love everything they’re offering right her locally. But Wanda can tell you better than I can so let’s hear from her….

The Details: Wanda Timmons, Owner of The Perfect Pair Antiques and Salon | In business 2 years!

Hours: 10:00am to 4:00pm Tuesday thru Saturday | Or By Appointment

Location(s): 266 N State Rt 121 Warrensburg, IL 62573

And be sure to check out The Perfect Pair Antiques and Salon on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/theperfectpairantiques

Tell us about your business… What do you do? Our business has taken MANY directions. What started off as a painting business and faux finishing school has turned into a Furniture refinishing, Repurposing of furniture, Paint Classes, Canvas Classes, Paint Parties, Distributor of Faux Effects Silver label paint products and a warehouse full of Furniture Consignment.

What makes your business unique/special? We strive to create a relationship with our customers to make their experience here memorable. Wanda is so detailed in her work and expects the same from her vendors. She wants her furniture pieces to be of such good quality that they can be handed down for generations.

Wanda has just about anything you could possibly imagine at The Perfect Pair… doors, custom painted furniture, antiques, mirrors, windows, frames, and even the kitchen sick!

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? Taking one of our Classes and creating a piece of art or learning a paint craft to me is one of the best parts of this business. I love seeing the look on the faces of both young and old when they have learned a new painting skill or created a piece of art.

I’ll have to agree with her on this one! Ryan and I took a Paint Like Me class at The Perfect Pair and LOVED it (yes Ryan loved it too). Our canvas was Christmas themed so we’re going to have to get back in there for another set we can leave up all year round!

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In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? I strive to take any steps I can to make our customers experience one to walk away from with a since of appreciation. I never want a customer to feel like I don’t have time for them. Whether it be helping load a piece of furniture, taking a package to UPS late in the day, pouring off a small amount a paint product so they can try it out before investing in the larger amounts, adding a custom finish to a piece of furniture or having a custom piece of furniture built.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Years ago when I was a painting contractor I had mentioned (one day while working in her home) that all I wanted for Christmas was a set of Christmas dishes and my family thought I was crazy. At the end of that job (several weeks later) she handed me an extra check and said go and buy those Christmas dishes. I went out the next day and bought them and now each year at Christmas I think of her.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Why? I have been blessed with many Vendors that I could not run this business without, too many to mention. From the quality of the product they bring in to sell, from the amount of help they provide when I call upon them. Of course, I am also blessed with an amazing Daughter that runs her Hair Salon out of the back of our showroom. Her and her customers in the beginning were the jump-start I needed.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I really enjoy Del’s Popcorn Shop in Downtown Decatur. I love the environment when I go in there and sharing there products with family and friends around the country. My daughter in laws favorite gift is one of their caramel apples.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Mandi Morlan: She is my right hand when it comes to the social media part of my business. I have seen the business grow so much since I hired her. Her writing skills and dedication to our business has been a true blessing.

Megan Timmons: Megan is not only my daughter but also my best friend and business partner. She is always there to pull up the slack when I need it most.

Mike Timmons: He is not only my husband, but also most of all he is my problem solver and every business needs a problem solver.

Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? Out of high school I worked at a bank. I started as a messenger and worked my way up to a teller. I loved working with people. I strived to have the customer want to come to my window. I loved seeing them stand in my line to have me wait on them even when there were other windows open. Once I had my children my life long dream was to become the best mother on the face of this earth. After staying home for 4 years and the need for me to the make money for the extras (vacations, ball leagues, Christmas gifts, etc) and had to use a unemployed need money loan for these, then I decided after learning to paint and wallpaper my own home that would be the business for me. I would be able to schedule my business around my family. This is when Wanda’s Wallcovering took shape and from there, it turned into Designer Finishes (my faux finishing school and contracting business) and now the addition of The Perfect Pair is the rest of the story…where I still want my customer to choose me when it comes to the services I offer.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? I have said many times in this journey that God has been my guide and lead me in every step and change of my business. I would have never guessed 26 years ago that this would be what I would be doing. I truly believe my purpose in this life is to serve, teach and provide a business for others and myself to prosper.

What are you passionate about outside of your business? Cooking. I love to cook, especially when I am able to cook for my family. Now that my children are grown and some having families of their own, it means so much when I am able to have family dinners together.

Describe your PERFECT day…
I would describe the perfect day as one where I could be in my paint room with my granddaughters. When one of them ask “Memaw can we go to the Paint Shop?” I want for nothing else in this world. It is our playground! Being able to help them create and learn my trade is something I hope to be able to pass down to them.

I hope that when my day on this earth is over that my family and customers will be able to look at the life I have lead and saying she was truly passionate and loved her God, Family, Job and life to the fullest.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS: If you’d like to have your business featured on the SJP blog please visit the following link to download the information/questionnaire form which you can email back to mail@sjanephotography.com. We are now booking for 2014 features and showcase one business each month. Your feature includes FREE 20 minute location shoot by Sarah Jane Photography, blog and facebook feature and web images to use on your online spaces (facebook/website/etc).

Download the information here:https://www.dropbox.com/s/urr7zdkh64szon7/MarketingBusinessFeatures.doc