|
 Little
Barn Boutique is located at 1103 Fifth Street in Lincoln and in many
ways is a family affair. The building is owned by Jessica’s in-laws
Steve and Cindy Goodman. Cindy ran a floral shop in the building for
quite some time. Then it was taken over briefly by another person,
before closing permanently.
Jessica recently told Lincoln Daily News that she has for a good
long time thought about and talked about opening a business, but it
seemed to be one of those off in the distance goals. However, with
the availability of a building, and a second turn of events in the
closure of Cindy’s Cottage, Jessica said her husband Stephen
encouraged her to stop putting it off, and just do it, and she did.
Goodman said that Cindy Peterson, who is now retired and living in
Florida was super helpful and super supportive. Many of the fixtures
in the Little Barn came from Cindy’s Cottage, as well as quite a bit
of the inventory.
She added that husband Steven provided additional display areas
putting up shelving and other fixtures.
Inside the building the biggest changes come in the
form of a missing floral refrigeration unit, and an knocked out wall
that opens the east end of the building up for better flow.
Goodman said that she considered keeping the floral cooler, but upon
having it checked out, the refrigeration unit was not in good
condition, so it was decided not to invest in repairing it, and out
it went. That area is where the check out counter is and she said
she was quite pleased with the way that turned out.
The business offers a wide variety of products included many hand
crafted items from local suppliers. Goodman said that several of the
crafters who supplied Cindy’s Cottage were happy to move over to
Little Barn, and there have been so many others that are also
interested in selling their wares to the boutique. She said she
estimates that she is utilizing approximately 25 local vendors.
The shop offers clothing and Goodman said that she
has two high school students, Jada Bree and Bella Pollice who enjoy
working in the clothing section. She said that she also gets help
from her mom Julie Bishop and Tracy Hickman who came over from
Cindy’s Cottage.
In addition to clothing, one can find a variety of home décor items,
kitchen items, jewelry, knick-knacks, hand made greeting cards, baby
and toddler clothing and accessories, toys and stuffed animals,
shoes, purses, hair accessories, and much more.
Goodman said in addition to the support of her husband, she has had
a lot of help and support from family. Because she and Steven have
three children plus jobs, family support from helping with the store
to helping with the kids has been an essential part of her being
able to take on the Little Barn.
On Saturday, those joining Jessica Goodman behind the
ribbon at her grand opening cut included her husband Steven and
their three children Sophia, Sadie and Jayce. Joining the them was
her in-laws Steve and Cindy Goodman, parents John and Julie Bishop,
along with Jada Bree, Bella Pollice, Brandy McCree, Melissa Cecil,
Mary Plut, Logan County Fair Queen Ellyn Martinez, Junior Miss Logan
County Ellie Wrage, and Little Miss Logan County Kodie Eigenbrod.
Representing the city of Lincoln were Mayor Tracy Welch and
alderpersons Robin McClallen, Rhonda O’Donohue, Wanda Lee Rohlfs and
David Sanders. Alice Roate with the Logan County Tourism Bureau was
also on hand as well as Karen Castelein with Lincoln Daily News.
The event began with a welcome to the grand opening of the Little
Barn Boutique and remarks by Mayor Welch.
Welch began by saying, “It is wonderful that people
want to invest in the community and to start up a business that is
of special interest to them as well. This particular type of
business is one that I think we have a lot of room for growth in
this community. It is something that people want and need.” He went
on to say that he wanted to wish Goodman the best of luck and also
remind her that the city governance is here to help and if there are
ever any needs or concerns, please let the city know.
The next speaker was alderwoman Rhonda O’Donohue who
welcomed the new business to the community as well.
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Alderman David Sanders echoed the sentiment adding
that the new business is in his ward so he is particularly happy to
welcome Goodman to the business community.
Alderwoman Robin McClallen was the next to be called
on. She welcomed Goodman to the community and wished her the best of
luck in her new venture.
Alderwoman Wanda Lee Rohlfs said she would just echo
what the mayor and other alderpersons said. She then added that she
was happy to see business growth on Fifth Street. She said that her
had great hopes that the area would continue to grow and that
someday it would be as business forward as Woodlawn Road.
Before Jessica spoke, husband Steven said that he
wanted to express appreciation for the support the family has
received in starting this new venture.
Jessica said that she was “overwhelmed by the
support” that she has been given. She ended with an open invitation
for the community to come in and see all that she has to offer, and
all the great products by local vendors and crafters.
With the speeches concluded, the posed photo was
taken and then the three, two, one, snip was called out and Jessica
Goodman snipped the ribbon on her new business.
Guests were encouraged to go in and shop and also enjoy some
delicious cookies.
In addition to the ribbon cutting, WLCN radio was on
hand doing a live broadcast of their Saturday morning sports talk
show Cheap Seats.
Guests mingled inside the store while chopping the many unique items
offered.
The Little Barn Boutique is located at 1103 Fifth Street in Lincoln.
The store hours will be Tuesday through Friday 10 a.m. to 6 p.m.,
Saturday 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. and closed on Sundays and Mondays.
[Nila Smith]
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