An Exceptional Grand Opening Weekend
After months of planning, building and organizing, we were finally ready (enough) to open our doors to our friends, family and the public at the beginning of August. We had a great turnout for our soft open on August 1. The city of Winooski’s Mayor and City Manager attended and the Mayor, Kristine Lott gave some kind words before we cut our red ribbon to officially open our store and offices.
We treated our guests to delicious mocktails including a signature Dwellness drink courtesy of The Wandering Tavern. We also had selected store merchandise and free interior design consultations as raffle prizes for guests and shoppers at the public grand opening on Sunday.
We got a delightful visit from Miss Black Vermont and fellow business owner Harmony Edosomwan.
We are committed to supporting local artists by featuring their works in the store. Our first is a dear friend, Steve Sharon. His vibrant abstract designs pop beautifully against our dark and moody walls. They are sure to delight new owners.
First customer and friend, Troi, proudly holds her purchase and our service card.
It’s been a week and we’re still basking in the warmth, and support we’ve experienced from friends, family, and vendors. We also appreciate the friendly welcome we’ve received from customers, residents in our building and our community.
Our journey as with many other retailers and entrepreneurs has not been easy. But we take every stepping stone, unexpected twist and thrilling experience with gratitude. I recently found the quote by Dolly Parton that was printed on a canvas tote I got from my attending the Vermont Womenpreneur Summit this year especially stirring - “You’ll never do a whole lot unless you’re brave enough to try.” I can say it has been a whole lot of bravery, faith and tenacity that has led to opening Dwellness and the expansion of our interior design and real estate firms. I feel like a better human for trying!
We’ll be sure to share a video on The Dwellness Channel of the highlights of our journey-to-open including a tour of the space.
