Shop Spotlight v4: Midwest Pet Paintings

Tell us about your business.

I have been searching for some time to find the appropriate supplement to my career (as a graphic designer) that would appease my need to create. My lifelong love for animals, and talent for painting led me to a pretty obvious choice: Pet paintings! I have started to build up a personal collection of these creations and I am excited to offer them to the public. I create portraits of your favorite pet on canvas with primarily acrylic as the medium. I have done many smaller paintings that work well for people on a budget, and more and more I am able to work on some larger pieces to fit a custom area in the client's home. I truly revere every animal I have ever met, so it has been so fun for me to get to see photos and hear the stories of the pets that have touched other people's lives. The best part is helping to honor those animals who are a real part of people's families.

How did you start your business and when?

I started the business 2010 when my husband was deployed in Afghanistan. One evening after my daughter was asleep I had the urge to create, and I was on facebook and noticed a stunning photo of my friend's boston terrier. I have traditionally been a abstract artist, but I thought I would give painting an animal subject a try. I had so much fun painting the dog that I stayed up and just kept going. I set up a website shortly after that, and to my surprise I started getting orders! The business has taken off in the past 4 months, and I have really enjoyed every minute of it!

Why do you think customers should shop local?

I think that with purchasing custom art, the best part is being able to meet the artist and actually have them personally give you the art. The personal connection of meeting the people I am creating the art for is really inspiring to me. There are some obvious benefits such as stimulating our local economy, which is important, but I find that the benefit of knowing that you can call or stop by if you need anything is pretty neat. I have a mentality as well, that if my client isn't happy, then I am most definitely not happy-- I have found with many of the local stores in Des Moines that they have the same mindset. Local business owners work very hard for their business and are truly passionate about what they do, making it so fun to support them as a consumer.

Does your business provide any special services to customers?

Absolutely, as everything I do is completely custom. I find it is beneficial to be able to have a phone call, series of emails ,or meeting before starting any piece. I will work with my customer to make sure they are getting exactly what they had in mind. I also can paint on any surface, I have an old window that is waiting for me to paint a cat in it!

What do you think sets you apart from other similar businesses?

I think that my niche of pet paintings is something that has definitely been done, so I am striving to offer exemplary customer service and quality at an affordable price. I do a custom quote for every piece, and I want to make sure that what I create is something that not only will be cherished for years, but is also based on a price-point that is reasonable for each individual. The reason I really pushed to get my business going was because I heard from a lot of people, that they would love a painting... but they just cant afford it! I am working hard to change that thought process by working with the customer to find a way to create something they will love and can afford. I truly do love animals and creating this art, and I have found with my past dealings with business owners that is it a lot more fun to work with someone who adores what they do.

What do you think the benefits are for selling online? Have you thought of opening up a brick and mortar shop?

Online is something that is definitely a great way to get started, the cost of putting an item up online is very low, which allows me to keep my prices low. I often miss that personal connect of actually meeting the person that I am creating the art for, but at this point that has been my only negative point. I absolutely have a dream of opening a physical shop, I think that every artist does. I think that a great fit would be to open a small studio that maybe also sells fun pet gifts and supplies. I would adore the ability to interact with customers every day who share the same interests as I do.

Tell me about some of your favorite portraits you’ve done.

Although my pet menagerie features two small fluffy pups I have a soft spot for the bully breeds. Their faces are so soulful and tell a million stories. Any portrait that I get to do of any of those breeds is always fun! My favorites have been gifts that people have ordered for significant others or family members. It is so fun to get that follow up email or call letting me know how much they loved it.

Etsy
Website
Facebook

Event spotlight v1: East Village Holiday Promenade

Tell us about The Holiday Promenade.

This is the 10th anniversary of Holiday Promenade! It started by business owners and residents when the neighborhood was just experiencing a revitalization. It has grown significantly. The highlight of Promenade are the business open houses in the heart of the Historic East Village, but over the last several years, we've coordinated efforts with Brenton Skating Plaza to host the event during their opening night. They have holiday events and Santa that are family friendly, plus skating! The event took on a new dynamic last year when we were approached by Downtown Community Alliance who offered to sponsor a fireworks display during the event. It went great and will be a part of the event this year too.

In the heart of the Villlage, we'll have two horse-drawn carriages, a few groups caroling, plus so many fun events at open houses. Many new businesses race to open before Promenade. This year, we've added a window decorating contest to encourage a festive feel that will kick-off that night and carry on throught the holiday season. We're also giving away 2000 reusable shopping bags at 3 popular stops: Brenton Plaza, LifeServe Blood Center, where they'll have Miss Iowa and Ballet Des Moines performing, and Baby Boomers. The bags will be filled with information, maps, coupons, and samples and people can use them to shop in the HEV throughout the holiday season!

How did you start this event and when?

The event started in 2001. This is the 10th year. I was on the HEV board for two years and ended up taking over the co-chair responsibilities and have just kept on doing that. This is my 3rd year chairing the event.

Why do you think people should attend The Holiday Promenade?

The event really caters to all. For shoppers: Those looking to start their holiday lists (or even start their shopping early!) will find unique items, locally crafted and global goods, items in all price ranges, and some lines they won't find anywhere else in the state or country! People will enjoy visiting their favorite stores for goodies and festive fun, plus this is a great incentive to visit stores new to them and getting to know the owners and employees. They might find new favorites! For families: Fireworks, ice skating, santa, goodies, Ballet, Miss Iowa, gorgeous window displays, horse and carriages..need we say more? We're piling on the holiday spirit...and thick!

How do the local shops get involved in your events and will they be offering any special sales?

This is a favorite of local shops and nearly every one participates. A few have specials and sales. some launch new lines or holiday items, and many offer goodies and events. This is a great time to get a feel for all the East Village has to offer holiday shoppers. It is a busy night for certain and we find that lots of Promenade guests return the next day to make more purchases.

What do you think sets you apart from other Holiday Shopping Events?

We comebine big events with the charm of a small village. The East Village is unique in so many ways and that is in large part due to the great people who choose to invest in the neighborhood by opening businesses and deciding to live there. Businesses don't have a large corporation or mall office telling them how to operate and that adds to the charm. The restaurants are also unique and cater to varied tastes so when you're worn out from shopping, you can pop into one of them for a memorable meal.

What is your favorite East Village Shop or Restaurant?

Don't make me pick a favorite! Most of us support each other, there are great service providers (spas, doctors, attorneys, more!) that we try to use, we eat out in the neighborhood all the time, and I do all of my holiday shopping in the Village because I can find everything I need at every price point. I will say that it is vital that if people only come down for one or two stores they've always visited or restaurants they always frequent, that they get out and pop into others. There are cute little shops and off the beaten path and new businesses opening all the time. There are treasures everywhere.

Is there anything else you’d like to say?

The East Village is not only a great place to visit, but an incredible place to own a business. I own East Village Spa. I've been in the Village for 4 1/2 years, 1 1/2 years in private practice and 3 years as owner of a 2000 sf spa. I started my business in my 20's and that isn't unique in the Village. In that time, I've seen many other young business owners succeed and expand their businesses like I've been able to. I'd never be anywhere else. It is also important for people to recognize that the unique qualities of the Village inspire such an incredible passion and pride in business owners, residents, and volunteers who dedicate so much time and talent to serving on the board.

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For more information about this event, please visit the Historic East Village website at http://www.eastvillagedesmoines.com or contact the Cassie Sampson at 515-309-2904 or evdayspa@gmail.com.

Do you have a event coming up that you would like us to spotlight? Please contact us at: shoplocaldesmoines@gmail.com for more information!

Photos from Metromix

Shop Spotlight v3: Leona Ruby

Leona Ruby
Ellen Martinson, owner
328 E 6th Street – East Village
Des Moines, IA 50309
515.244.5841
http://www.leonaruby.com

Tell us about your business.

Leona Ruby is a jewelry boutique located at the corner of East 6th & Walnut Streets in the East Village. We feature jewelry to express your style whether it is a simple pair of sterling silver earrings, or my favorite, giant cocktail rings to make a bold statement. We carry designer jewelry like Charles Albert and Elizabeth & James, as well as custom Jane Basch monogram necklaces, handmade pieces from local designers and designers across the globe, and a variety of vintage pieces.

How did you start your business and when?

The idea for Leona Ruby has been in my head for years. We officially opened the doors on June 1st of this year. It has been an exciting first year and I am eager to watch it grow.

Why do you think customers should shop local?

Shopping local is great for many reasons. By shopping local you are reinvesting in the community and encouraging growth. Just look at the East Village - what an eclectic area filled with so many fun local shops and restaurants. None of that was here when we moved to Des Moines 10 years ago. By shopping local you are helping create these unique areas making Des Moines a fun place to live and visit.

Does your business provide any special services for customers?

I often get requests for specific vintage styles or sets of necklaces for a wedding party - the jewelry hunt is half the fun! I’m also always happy to loan out jewelry for photoshoots or shows. Finishing touches are key and no outfit is complete with out a little extra style.

Why did you choose the location you are currently at?

The East Village is the first place I considered when we decided to open Leona Ruby. When I saw the space with the huge corner windows, I knew it would be perfect.

What do you think sets you apart from other similar businesses?

The jewelry at Leona Ruby is unique to Des Moines. It is always exciting to wear something that not everyone has seen before. It’s good to be different! I try to have unique pieces that you just couldn’t find in Des Moines, but now you can! It’s a little store with a lot of style.

What do you think the benefits are for having a brick and mortar shop opposed to just selling online?

Having an actual storefront is a huge benefit with jewelry. Customers want to try on pieces and see them in person. Plus, I enjoy interacting with people, that is why the retail world works so well for me. Getting to know people, building a relationship and of course finding that perfect ring or necklace to fit their style!

Tell me about some of your favorite designs.

Well maybe not designers… but my style icons are Yoko Ono, Edie Sedgwick and Cruella Deville.