OK OK OKAYYYYYY!!!!
Oh my goodness, guys.. I planned to have this blog post out a long while ago but BECAUSE of what this post is about, I've been a bit busy. Here's the deal: I am opening my very first brick and mortar store here in Salem, OR and am opening this weekend!!! Join me at my new shop beginning May 1!!! <3
Here's what happened:
In mid-February I spoke with a friend of mine about how she enjoys her new private studio for her business. She was sharing the struggles, but the gratefulness she had for the space. She mentioned how there were units available in the plaza she was located and it IMMEDIATELY sparked something I had considered and dreamed of doing one day for the last several years. Later that day I contacted the property management company inquiring about units available. I don't really know why this particular moment made me just go for something that is REALLY scary and REALLY risky (especially in today's small business climate) but I decided I was going to finally get myself a retail space to serve you all in a way I've always wanted.
I visited several units at this particular plaza and though I did really like one of them, something in me said "take this budget and see what else is available" so I did just that, even though I had submitted an application for one of the other units. Through conversations, I learned that there were available units at the 45th Parallel building here in Salem, OR where my amazing friend, Marie Greene from Olive Knits, has her private office and studio. She put me in contact with their property management team and instantly fell in love with the first unit I saw and could absolutely envision all kinds of ideas in that space. I told her I would submit an application once I got home. However, I did eventually learn that there was another offer on that same unit and they had priority since they submitted their application first. I may have played it cool on the outside, but I was a complete WRECK internally because I loved the space so much and it was perfect for my needs.
Flash forward 10 or so days later, I finally got confirmation that the landlord accepted my offer and once I paid the deposit and first month’s rent, IT WAS MINE! I didn’t let myself get actually excited until I had the keys in my hand and when that happened, I definitely cried from feeling proud and happy. Even if I don’t really know how this whole thing will pan out, I did it. I really did. I signed that lease, paid my dues and spent the next six weeks working with different people to build the shop to what it is today. There were many early mornings, late nights, awesome conveniences and terrible setbacks. The last six weeks have tested me in new ways and I choose to be grateful for the lessons learned, but to see the light at the end of the tunnel is thoroughly appreciated.
Take a peek at some of the progress the shop has undergone since I got the keys on February 24, 2021:
As of this moment of writing this, there are still a few more things to wrap up before this weekend and MANY more dreams and ideas I have for the space over the next few years. I am so proud of myself for the hard work I have put into this, but more than that, I am so grateful and thankful for each of you who have supported me over the last several years and continue to offer me hope and motivation, even when things get a little difficult behind the scenes. I hope to serve each of you in new ways through this space and be able to further connect on an even more personal level. I value you and am so excited to see what this space becomes, and offers to our community.
Please join me beginning May 1 at my new shop!! I will have have goodie bags for the first 50 people who come visit, some "yarn tasting" samples, free laminated pattern, and a special coupon for the next time you visit!! I'M SO EXCITED YOU DON'T EVEN KNOW!!!! And don't worry, if you can't visit during these particular days, I'll have special promotions throughout the month of May in celebration of this new chapter. I can't wait to see you!!
Here is the address:
The Hook Nook
2195 Hyacinth St NE, suite 145
Salem, OR 97301
(Note: my front exterior door faces 25th Avenue)
Current store hours:
Thursday : 10am-6pm
Friday : 10am-6pm
Saturday : 10am-6pm
Sunday : 10am-4pm
I am so excited to see you all and hope to become a true haven for creatives. Thank you for everything you have brought to my life. <3
xo,
Jessica
