BRAINERD — Brenda Billman-Arndt, the first winner of Brainerd's Destination Downtown Business Challenge, opened her boutique six years ago.
Billman Arndt opened her business on Laurel Street in May 2018 after dreaming of owning her own business and trying to turn her soap-making hobby into a full-fledged business with a shop and classroom. did. She did just that and became a voice for downtown Brainerd and small businesses in general.
In 2017, Purple Fern Bus Co. was the winner of the first Destination Downtown Business Challenge, ultimately leading to more businesses opening in Brainerd.
Billman Arndt announced in February that changes in her life in recent months were part of her decision to find a new owner or close her business in May. Billman Arndt said at his store Thursday that after he posted the news, he was flooded with comments of support. And she plans to sell the business to new owners in May, who she hopes will be able to keep the store open, continue the classes, and inject new energy to expand everything.
“It doesn't look like the Purple Fern is going to close,” Billman Arndt said. “That’s really good because I want to see it continue and thrive.
“I'm going to miss this very much. This hasn't been without a lot of thought and a lot of tears. But I'm glad to see it go on and for people to be able to put their passion and life into it again. I’m really looking forward to seeing it take over. … It’s going to be a very positive outcome.”
Billman Arndt said small businesses have their ups and downs. She said economic conditions in recent months have been particularly tough for a company that sells wants rather than necessities, even though the store offers many self-care and stress-relief options in its product line. . Billman-Arndt said people have been very supportive of small businesses during the pandemic. It really brought attention to small businesses, she said.
Billman Arndt said she became emotional after reading the comments after posting on Facebook about leaving the business.
“It seemed like a very positive statement, and just reading it brought tears to my eyes,” she said. “It was really beautiful. It's like Purple Fern has a place in the community and people love it.”
ross compass is a new restaurant opening next to Bath and Body at Westgate Mall in the space that previously housed a Dairy Queen restaurant. Los Compas, which means close friends in Spanish, will feature Latin cuisine and is scheduled to open in early April, the flyer states.
woodlore cider The company announced the closure in a March 22 Facebook post, saying March 24 would be its last day of business.
“We regret to announce that this Sunday will be Woodlore Cider's last day of operation,” Josh Gazelka posted. “It is difficult to adequately express our gratitude to each and every customer for giving us the opportunity to share our cider with you.
I wish our journey didn't end now. Cami and I are so grateful to you all. Perhaps we'll hear more from Woodlore in the future, but for now this chapter is over. ”
Brainerd Dispatch Editor-in-Chief RENEE RICHARDSON can be reached at 218-855-5852 or
renee.richardson@brainerddispatch.com
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