A Hopkinsville shop that specializes in wellness goods, including essential oils, loose teas and handmade soaps, has been tested during the economic slowdown brought on by the coronavirus pandemic. But owner Julie-Anna Carlisle has counted on a loyal customer base to keep Milkweed Health and Harmony Emporium going in downtown Hopkinsville.
“It was really tough. It was tough for all small businesses. But we were fortunate enough that because we have been here for five years, we have created that external family community base. And our local community shoppers kept our doors open and helped us pay our bills,” Carlisle told WKMS reporter Hannah Bullard for a story in mid-June. “We had some people who they ordered, one lady ordered five times, and I know this lady and I know it was just because she was really adamant about trying to help support our business.”
- SUPPORT US: Like what we do? Consider making a donation to the Hoptown Chronicle, a nonprofit news organization
Carlisle attributes her business’ survival to customers like Michelle Rodriguez, who sees a sense of community among people who support Milkweed.
“This store in particular, has really just allowed a lot of like-minded thinkers to be able to come together, whether she’s holding classes, or inviting people to come in and sample teas and things like that. It’s just this store in particular is kind of a hub for so many people to be able to just come together and connect,” Rodriguez said told WKMS. “And I think right now that is the most important thing, right? I mean, especially with the way things are going. Just being able to connect with another human being.”
Carlisle added, “When I first opened Milkweed, I wasn’t going to have the funding that I thought I was gonna have. I had $7,000 in a checking account and a $10,000 credit card, and that’s how Milkweed started.
After an in-house bookkeeper was suspected of embezzling money from the business, Carlisle was worried the business would close. But she kept the doors open.
“I mean, we came so close to losing this place. I survived that, we’ve hung in there, and thanks to our local supporters, thanks to our extended family we are here.”
In late August, Carlisle helped the Downtown Renaissance Program organize Stroll, Sip and Shop but wasn’t sure how many people would be willing to get out with a mask mandate in place, along with other considerations related to the coronavirus pandemic.
Shortly after the event started on a Thursday evening, the answer became evident right outside Carlisle’s business, where several dozen people gathered to hear a jazz quartet and to browse among booths set up by artists and food and drink vendors.
Keeping potential patrons interested and aware of downtown has been a challenge during the coronavirus outbreak. Independent businesses that choose to locate in older buildings at the city’s historic core are often relying on shoppers who want an experience that includes time to linger in close proximity with shopkeepers and other patrons. Those are the same conditions that some are trying to avoid during the coronavirus outbreak.
That’s why Stroll, Sip and Shop made sense, said Holly Boggess, director of the Downtown Renaissance Program.
“We are able to do this because people are dispersed outdoors,” she said. “There is tremendous support for these downtown businesses. They have really taken a hit. We support keeping everyone safe, but if you can do something like this, it is a win-win for the businesses and the community.”
In addition to the soaps, essential oils and teas, Milkweed sells incense, rocks and crystals, jewelry, books, art, bells and chimes. The store at Ninth and Virginia streets is open 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Wednesdays, 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, and 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Saturdays. Online ordering is also offered.
Hoptown Chronicle contributed to this report.
Hannah Bullard is a Murray State Journalism major. She found her place in radio during her second year in Murray. She is from Herndon, Kentucky, a small farming community on the Kentucky/Tennessee stateline. She first discovered her love for NPR when she stumbled upon "This American Life" while traveling. She believes everyone has a story worth telling. Her favorite pieces to produce are centered around people and their community. She hopes to continue a career in journalism through broadcast or non-profit work.
