Owner of A Little Off the Top
Thirteen years ago, I found myself scared to death.
I made the decision to quit my well-paying job to open a business on Peabody’s historic 1880s Main Street. I knew I wanted my own shop, my own tanning bed, my own hours, and to be my own boss.
In hindsight, opening A Little Off the Top beauty salon was the best decision I ever made. I was on my own and I was doing OK.
Initially I rented the building for eight years. Then, thanks to a program through the Peabody Main Street Association, I took the plunge. I was able to secure funding to purchase a building.
I took advantage of Kansas Main Street’s “Incentive Without Walls” program which aids small business owners in funding physical improvements for their small businesses.
Now I have my business in the south side of a building and I have a stable and reliable local company renting the north half. Synthetic Resources, Inc. is a great tenant and it is yet another valuable asset to our community and downtown Peabody.
Having a downtown business has been very rewarding. I have met so many interesting people. I have been able to watch my customers graduate, have families, and retire. Owning a business in a small town is like having a big family with lots of friends.
I feel blessed to be able to have my business in a wonderful town like Peabody.
I sincerely hope that in the future, whether people feel the effects of national economic issues or are just proud to be living in a community that they enjoy and to which they feel attached, they will shop at home and help keep Peabody viable. I have no doubt that Peabody Main Street Association is the best vehicle for assuring Peabody’s survival.
I am now pleased to say I serve on the Peabody Main Street Association board of directors. I would not be where I am today without their efforts and support.