Milkweed Health & Harmony Emporium will close in late March following a 10-year run as an eclectic retail hub and social network in downtown Hopkinsville.
The shop’s owner, Julie-Anna Carlisle, announced her decision in an email sent Monday afternoon to thank patrons for their support.
“It’s time to take the next steps in my life as an artist, a community volunteer, and as a Moon Ma (grandmother),” Carlisle wrote.
“Milkweed has always been more than just a retail store to me as I hoped to provide creative and compassionate inspiration for healthy, sustainable living and an example of how, through love and understanding, we can make each life a little better,” she wrote. “I will miss all the bright faces and the hugs, and I’ll also miss having the opportunity to encourage those of you who were down or discouraged.”
Located in the historic Odd Fellows Building at the corner of Ninth and Virginia streets, Milkweed sells jewelry, gemstones, teas, handmade soaps and natural products. It has also showcased works by numerous regional artists and creatives.
Milkweed hosted numerous community events, including poetry readings, Big Read book discussions, Edgar Cayce seminar sessions, author talks, Woman of the Year awards presentations and a talk by a Buddhist monk.
Carlisle also collaborated with the Downtown Renaissance Program and the Museums of Historic Hopkinsville-Christian County to support and provide space for downtown events. She was a lead organizer for Sanctuary’s first Chair Project to raise money and awareness for victims of personal violence.
The store will close on March 28.
“Between now and then, I hope you’ll come by and grace Milkweed with your presence one last time,” Carlisle wrote.
Jennifer P. Brown is co-founder, publisher and editor of Hoptown Chronicle. You can reach her at editor@hoptownchronicle.org. Brown was a reporter and editor at the Kentucky New Era, where she worked for 30 years. She is a co-chair of the national advisory board to the Institute for Rural Journalism and Community Issues, governing board past president for the Kentucky Historical Society, and co-founder of the Kentucky Open Government Coalition. She serves on the Hopkinsville History Foundation's board.
