Businesses get an early start on shopping season
Nov. 20—SHARON — Before the holiday shopping season kicks off this week, a handful of new businesses in downtown Sharon opened their doors to the public Saturday afternoon.
Unwind Day Spa, 150 E. State St., is a homecoming of sorts for Danielle Benic, who co-owns the business with her husband, Mike.
Danielle already operates The Beauty Bar on Main in Sharpsville, and said she was interested in opening a second location in Sharon due to a lack of similar businesses in the area and her personal connection to the neighborhood.
"I grew up here on the West Hill, so for years I've always wanted a business along main street," Danielle said.
Customers who stopped by Saturday could purchase packages for some of the spa's services, including infrared and salt sessions.
Along with services offered in the spa itself, Danielle said she planned to involve her business with community-oriented activities in the future.
"I've done Yoga in the Streets with Dr. Michelle Thompson in the past, so I'd like to be involved in more programs like that," Danielle said.
Down the street at 81 E. State St. was The Lofts on State, a single space containing multiple businesses, were the public had the opportunity to enjoy refreshments and see some of the businesses before a ribbon-cutting ceremony.
Located above Thyme in Your Kitchen, John Evans — who owns the building with his wife, Patty — said the space retained as much of the building's original design and history as possible, while offering something unique for local shoppers.
"This is something new for the downtown area, and all of the businesses that we have here are very different kinds of businesses," John said.
Samantha Grbinick, owner of the yoga and dance studio Autumns Red Studios, said the space in The Lofts on State offered her a long-desired fixed location for her business.
"In the past I'd worked out of different gyms and studios, but I hadn't had a space of my own," Grbinick said.
John credited Grbinick's network of local artisans and business owners with helping to attract some of the different businesses to The Lofts on State, while Grbinick said she enjoyed having a location in central Sharon.
Being able to share The Lofts on State with other creative and entrepreneurial people was another bonus, Grbinick said.
Fellow business owner Erin Auld was also present for Saturday's ceremony, and she said her business Enchanted Life Path will offer multiple crafts and services, such as tarot card journals for entertainment purposes.
Like Grbinick, Auld said she enjoyed the creative atmosphere of The Lofts on State.
"It's a very inclusive environment that we have here," Auld said.
Aside from Autumns Red Studios and Enchanted Life Path, The Lofts on State also includes the record shop Melusina Records, skateboard shop Shenango Skate Shop, vintage antique shop Tchotchkes, and Wildwood Photography.
Evans said there were about five more spaces available as of Saturday, and that any businesses interested could contact him at 724-699-8741.
Like David L. Dye on Facebook or email him at ddye@sharonherald.com.
