Lea Knowles from Wine and Other Old Things recently had us redesign a website for her, (www.wineandotheroldthings.com). She wanted to make sure her professionalism and drive was shown and her story portrayed well while applying for the Mission Main St Grants by Chase. Her business has grown since starting out in Sioux City at a consignment shop selling antiques and beer making kits. She's had great luck expanding into her new store and building her "Urban Winery." This is the story we wrote from her words:
It's not unusual for customers to feel a bit confused the first time they walk into “Wine and Other Old Things” But it doesn't take long before they “get it”
Here, you will find an eclectic mix of antiques, vintage furniture and gifts, locally produced items, Native wines and wine making and home brew supplies and equipment. There are cozy seating areas and a great space that's just perfect for small events. This is a blend of all of the passions of it's founder, Lea Knowles.
Lea has been a hobby winemaker for 11 years. As her love for winmaking grew, so did her interest in Iowa wine grapes. She acquired a few vacant lots in Sioux City and went to work, creating an urban vineyard. After clearing out truck loads of trash and removing tons of dead, fallen trees, the property was ready for the 120 grape vines that she started from cuttings. Today it looks very much like a park, surrounded by a hedge of lilac trees. But she left a clearing big enough to some day, build a small winery on the property. Hopefully, soon that part of “the dream' will also become a reality.
Her love for “Old Things” moved her to look for ways to save antiques and vintage furniture from the landfill. So she rented a room in a local consignment shop and began selling her unique painted and repurposed “Old things”.
Soon, she added Wine Making and Home Brew supplies to her inventory. Before long, she realized that her customers needed more personal service than a consignment store could provide. Plus, the 11x12 foot room was getting crowded.
So she rented the store front next door. But it needed a LOT of work! And 800 sq feet of retail space seemed Huge! How would she fill all of that space?
As usual, she followed her heart and started selling wine. But not just any wine, these are wines made exclusively in Iowa. From earthy, dry wines to delightfully fruity wines, the selection grew. She started selling wine from one Iowa winery, and then two, and then three, and then 4. How many more will there be? Time will Tell...
Who would have thought that in less than 2 years she would need to move into a LARGER location! But that's exactly what happened. So she moved just around the corner, to 611 5th st.
Follow her blog at:
http://www.wineandotheroldthings.com/blog
It's not unusual for customers to feel a bit confused the first time they walk into “Wine and Other Old Things” But it doesn't take long before they “get it”
Here, you will find an eclectic mix of antiques, vintage furniture and gifts, locally produced items, Native wines and wine making and home brew supplies and equipment. There are cozy seating areas and a great space that's just perfect for small events. This is a blend of all of the passions of it's founder, Lea Knowles.
Lea has been a hobby winemaker for 11 years. As her love for winmaking grew, so did her interest in Iowa wine grapes. She acquired a few vacant lots in Sioux City and went to work, creating an urban vineyard. After clearing out truck loads of trash and removing tons of dead, fallen trees, the property was ready for the 120 grape vines that she started from cuttings. Today it looks very much like a park, surrounded by a hedge of lilac trees. But she left a clearing big enough to some day, build a small winery on the property. Hopefully, soon that part of “the dream' will also become a reality.
Her love for “Old Things” moved her to look for ways to save antiques and vintage furniture from the landfill. So she rented a room in a local consignment shop and began selling her unique painted and repurposed “Old things”.
Soon, she added Wine Making and Home Brew supplies to her inventory. Before long, she realized that her customers needed more personal service than a consignment store could provide. Plus, the 11x12 foot room was getting crowded.
So she rented the store front next door. But it needed a LOT of work! And 800 sq feet of retail space seemed Huge! How would she fill all of that space?
As usual, she followed her heart and started selling wine. But not just any wine, these are wines made exclusively in Iowa. From earthy, dry wines to delightfully fruity wines, the selection grew. She started selling wine from one Iowa winery, and then two, and then three, and then 4. How many more will there be? Time will Tell...
Who would have thought that in less than 2 years she would need to move into a LARGER location! But that's exactly what happened. So she moved just around the corner, to 611 5th st.
Follow her blog at:
http://www.wineandotheroldthings.com/blog
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