Meet our Shoppe Owners
Every small business has a beginning—a spark, a leap of faith, a moment when passion turns into something real. At the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza, those beginnings live side by side. Six doors. Six stories. Six owners who followed an idea, trusted their instincts, and built something deeply personal.
Here, the shelves, walls, and worktables are filled with more than products. They’re filled with heart, history, creativity, and community. Let’s take a walk through the Shoppes and meet the people who make this place feel alive. ✨
Beth | College Street Creations
Long before College Street Creations had a storefront, it lived quietly in Beth’s home—crochet hooks in hand, creativity unfolding one piece at a time. For years, it was simply a hobby, something she loved to do alongside her teaching career. Then one Mother’s Day, everything changed. A single visitor purchased her hobby creations for what would normally take Beth make for an entire week at her “day job”. In that moment, a thought settled in: this might actually work.
Today, Beth’s business is rooted in connection. She believes creativity belongs to everyone, and her work is designed to help people uncover their own creative spark. Through thoughtfully planned events, collaborations with local businesses, and projects shaped to fit each space, her shoppe feels less like a class and more like a gathering place. Visitors often leave feeling inspired, uplifted, and part of something local and joyful.
A few things you might not know: Beth holds a Master’s Degree in Education, an undergraduate degree in Business Management, collects spoons, and loves birds. If her shoppe had a soundtrack, it would be “Walking on Sunshine” by Katrina & The Waves 🎶
Crystal | Pirate Mom Soapworks
Pirate Mom Soapworks began with a tiny booth at a craft show in Rochelle and just a dozen bars of soap. Crystal didn’t arrive with grand expectations—but she left with overwhelming encouragement. People lingered, asked questions, and came back for more. When repeat customers started saying, “Your soap is amazing,” Crystal realized her small hobby was becoming something bigger.
At the heart of her business is care—for skin, for quality, and for people. Crystal loves hearing how her soaps help others feel better, whether it’s discovering a new favorite scent or finding relief for sensitive skin. Her shoppe invites visitors into a world of whimsy and adventure: smell the soaps, touch the plush octopi, and let curiosity lead the way.
Surprise fact: Crystal is also a published writer. Her theme song sails right along with her brand—“Beneath the Blazing Skies” by Matias Puumala & Walk the Plank 🎶
Sara | Paper & Hide Co.
For Sara, a love of paper started early. As a kid and teen, she wandered stationery stores dreaming of owning one of everything. Years later, when she found herself traveling just to get her “paper fix,” that spark returned. In early 2025, she began experimenting with graphic design—learning as she went—when a comment during a Shoppes meeting changed everything: A card and gift wrap store would be so fun.
It felt like a sign. Sara jumped in, and Paper & Hide Co. was born.
Walking into her shoppe is a full sensory experience. Bright colors pop against crisp white walls. Music fills the space—sometimes familiar, sometimes unexpected. The scent of a candle or warmer lingers in the air. Many of the cards and stationery items are designed and printed by Sara herself, making her shoppe a place where creativity, quality, and personality shine.
Something you might not expect: Sara recently left the banking world for a job at a community vet clinic, where she’s surrounded by animals all day—including her five dogs and a grand-puppy. Her theme song? “XXX’s & OOO’s” by Trisha Yearwood 🎶
Kari | The Midwest Mercantile
The Midwest Mercantile grew from Kari’s love of discovering meaningful products—and the joy of sharing them with others. Her first market was the turning point. Watching people light up as they connected with the items she had so carefully chosen, Kari knew she was onto something.
Her shoppe is a reflection of that thoughtful approach. Kari intentionally sources many of her products from women-owned, Midwest-based, and fellow small businesses. It’s a place designed to slow you down—to browse, to linger, and to choose something special, whether it’s for yourself or someone you love.
A fun detail: Kari has been a vegetarian for 28 years. If there’s music playing in the background of her story, it’s “Gypsy” by Fleetwood Mac 🎶
Erica | Leigh Alan Design
Leigh Alan Design began with a single bag—made by Erica for her five-year-old son. That simple, practical piece sparked years of requests and ideas. Combined with her love for vintage materials and giving old things new life, the path slowly took shape.
In 2023, everything aligned. Her son—now a high school senior—was helping build the very shoppes where Erica would soon open her own store. Two years later, Leigh Alan Design found its home.
Every item in Erica’s shoppe is handmade or carefully curated by her. Old fabrics are repurposed, designs are created with longevity in mind, and small-batch production keeps each piece intentional. The space feels cozy and calm—inviting visitors to step into a thoughtfully curated boutique where everything has a purpose and a story.
A detail fans love: Her bagability bags are named after secondary characters from her favorite TV show. Her business is built on faith, family, and intention. Her theme songs include “This Is The Stuff” by Francesca Battistelli and “Home” by Phillip Phillips 🎶
Sarah | Amber + Smoke
Amber + Smoke was born from Sarah’s own skincare journey. With sensitive skin and a need to avoid harsh chemical ingredients, she spent years carefully choosing what she put on her body. In 2019, she decided to take matters into her own hands—developing a botanical skincare brand not just for herself, but for others facing the same challenges.
Years of handcrafting products, refining formulas, and listening to her growing community helped Sarah realize her business had real purpose. Product development became her joy—from selecting oils and butters to perfecting textures and naming each creation. Every single product is made start to finish by Sarah herself.
When visitors step into Amber + Smoke, they’re met with warmth, education, and genuine connection. Sarah hopes people leave feeling supported, confident, and excited about their natural skincare journey.
Behind-the-scenes note: Sarah also serves as the official manager of the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza, helping coordinate events, social media, and community outreach. Her theme song says it all—“I’m Built Different” by Ivy Quinnly 🎶
Together, these six shoppe owners form the heart of the Shoppes at Grandon Plaza. Their stories are different, but they share a common thread: courage, creativity, and a deep commitment to community.
When you visit the Shoppes, you’re not just shopping—you’re stepping into six stories that continue to grow every day. 💛
