Tell us a bit about yourself and your business.
Heart Mercantile a local retail shop in the Oregon District owned by four fierce women. We opened our doors in October 2015. Our shop is filled to the brim with local goods, Dayton love, and snarky gifts (some NSFW).
What made you decide to open your own small business and how long have you been in operation?
We had no retail experience. I had two young children and a motley crew of friends, neighbors, and acquaintances that helped put it all together. We had a fish stick budget and no business plan. When we opened the doors, we didn’t know what to expect; if anyone would show up, or buy anything, or if we would even be able to pay rent. Half of the items in the store weren’t even tagged. A month prior we were googling how to buy wholesale. To say that we were clueless would be an understatement.
It was just a dream-in every sense. The shop was named for my son’s congenital heart defects and surgeries after an actual dream I had of owning a shop in the Oregon named Heart. We went with it.
What do you enjoy about working in downtown Dayton?
Working in an urban area, you never know what to expect. Each day brings something new truly. Daytonians top our personal list of favorite things about Dayton. The residents of downtown and the surrounding Dayton neighborhoods look out for one another, possess a great sense of humor, and have the most warm, giving hearts. When someone is in need, everyone comes together to help. Though the people are diverse, a common theme exists among us: Daytonians are hardworking, loyal, don’t take themselves too seriously, and look out for one another. Also, we like to party.
Tell us something about your business that may surprise people to learn.
Because of our amazing patrons, we’ve been able to donate to so many great local causes and organizations, raising money for fellow Daytonians in need and causes we believe in. It’s the reason we do what we do – to give back.
How is your business coping with the pandemic and how can people support you now?
We have been so fortunate to be able to continue selling through the pandemic. We were only closed to the public for a few months, during which we continued online sales and socially distanced pickups. Our staff has been amazing through these weird times. Through a few ceiling leaks, product damage, one positive COVID test, and a couple shutdowns, we are lucky to have such amazingly supportive patrons.
Heart Mercantile
438 E. Fifth St.
www.heartmercantile.com
937-250-6020
Social media: @heart_mercantile
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