Small Business Stories

As Midwesterners, we are very familiar with the four seasons. Ashley Hahn believes that while we celebrate the wonders of the changing seasons and moments that come along with them, we should take time to celebrate the seasons of LOVE and FAITH all year long. Which is why she created Shop Six Seasons. Ashley defines herself as a wife, mother, small business owner and all around lover of life! In her free time (when she's not taking care of her three children)  you can find her dancing in … [Read more...] about Shop Six Seasons – Lifestyle Fashion For All

Meet the proud owners of Purple Ribbon General Store, the Hunter family. Pete, Cindy, Sara, Ashley, Jess & Rylan Located in Clarion, Iowa, Purple Ribbon General Store is a one-of-a-kind, family-owned general store. They offer premium Iowa products such as home decor, candles, local foods and honey.   You can also find their namesake, Purple Ribbon Beef. They pride themselves on raising premium beef from birth to plate. Not only is their beef BQA (Beef Quality Assurance) … [Read more...] about Purple Ribbon General Store – quality standards & sustainable farming practices

Welcome to DKW Art Gallery & Studios! Owned and operated by Deb and Mark Weiser, DKW is an active and involved art gallery located in the heart of Marion, Iowa. DKW is a unique and fun exhibit of regional artwork, from various local artists, at affordable prices. They're proud of the fact that they've introduced many customers to their first original piece of art, as there’s no sticker shock as in most galleries. Deb has been an artist for over 30 years, working in a variety of … [Read more...] about DKW Art Gallery – Art Lives Here

With a focus on herbal education for the public, MEGAN & CO. Herbal Apothecary and Clinic opened their doors in Spirit Lake, Iowa in 2017. Their gorgeous brick & mortar store is staffed by highly educated and experienced, Certified Clinical Herbalists, Certified Clinical Nutritionists, and Flower Essence Practitioners.   Owner, Megan Fuhrman-Wheeler, began her journey in the business due to a personal experience which lead her in her own pursuit of wellness & healing … [Read more...] about MEGAN & CO. Herbal Apothecary – Spreading herbal knowledge to rural America

Words can be powerful. SMACK, which stands for "Spreading Messages of Affirmation, Compassion and Kindness," was created by Michelle Stricker in March of 2020. After putting her full-time photography businesses on hold during the early stages of the pandemic, Michelle used her own experience with anxiety and channeled her passion to bring hope to the world to start a movement: SMACK. Michelle handwrites powerful and uplifting messages that are then scanned and … [Read more...] about SMACK – Together, Let’s Change the World

Zumi Collection is a company that was founded on the love of beautiful, colorful fabrics and uniquely styled clothing and Lu Spaine's desire to find those items and bring them to her customers. Zumi began in 1992 and expanded in 2001 when a shop was opened in Des Moines. With the opening of her storefront she was able to expand her product line to include accessories, home decor & musical instruments. All products originate from countries in Africa, Asia and South America. Many … [Read more...] about Zumi – Where Culture Inspires Fashion

Those living in or near Dubuque likely know that the salon, Spark on Bluff, is one of the best places to get your hair looking the best in Dubuque. With their dedicated family-like focus to intentionally keep things smaller, cozier and more manageable, it can be tough to get a walk-in appointment. Fortunately for everyone, they have developed their own 44One Luxury Haircare line (a nod to their current street address in Dubuque) that can be purchased and shipped directly to your … [Read more...] about Shop without a care at 44One Luxury Haircare

Kaius & Co is a small, family owned business that began as a hobby in 2016. However, this hobby grew into an amazing business. Their store is a place for discovering personalized gifts and home accessories, like fun and quirky everyday items that add personality to your home. Kaius & Co, located in Perry, Iowa, specializes in furniture and décor.  They offer everything from shelving to clocks, hangers, and artwork. They can build beautiful handmade designs, with a focus on using … [Read more...] about Handcrafted Furniture By Kaius and Co Is A Game Changer

RS Welding Studio out of Victor, Iowa can design some amazing handcrafted pieces for inside and outside of your home. You can view their metal creations all year long at their retail showroom in Victor, or online! Ken Root, former Farm Broadcaster at WHO Radio has called the owner, Randy, “The Grant Wood of Yard Art" and you'll see why in this article about his amazing business, RS Welding.   Where It All Started In 1999, Randy got his start selling hay to an Amish family from … [Read more...] about Beautiful Designs From RS Welding