Category: Business Spotlight
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A Dream Come True…but with a Shift
Hours Today: By appointment only
For years, Doug Tenhouse, owner of Loyd’s Gifts & Collectibles had thought about owning a small antiques and collectibles store. With retirement in 2020 came the ability to start collecting again and from there, everything just fell into place. He noticed the storefront at 504 Hampshire was empty and available for rent. This gave him the motivation to take the plunge. “The biggest challenge was that I started at the end of the COVID Shutdown, so getting some inventory was a challenge initially,” stated Tenhouse. “People were still cautious about getting out, but were ready to get back to some normalcy too.”
Originally, Doug’s plan was to simply be an antique and collectibles store. But after speaking with the former business at the location he found out the customers enjoyed the new gift items, snarky merchandise, and greeting cards as well. Knowing this information, Doug knew adding items that past customers enjoyed would be a good business decision so he shifted his business plan. Loyd’s carries a variety of gifts and collectibles from vintage to new, and is now known for its funny greeting cards and crazy socks. “But we have a variety of other gifts for babies up to any age,” stated Tenhouse. “There’s always something new to discover at Loyd’s.”
When it comes to advice for entrepreneurs, Doug has given us his top three pointers.
1. Be patient! It takes a while to take off.
2. Word of mouth is the best advertisement.
3. Treat customers as you would like to be treated.“There’s always something new to discover at Loyd’s.”
—Doug TenhouseDoug’s goal for his business–has always been and continues to be–a destination for fun and unusual items at a reasonable price. “I have many customers that enjoy coming in and reading the funny cards and love the variety of merchandise.” Loyd’s Gifts & Collectibles will soon celebrate four years in business. “I think there were doubters when I first opened, but I’m still here,” stated Tenhouse. Knowing Doug has put his heart and soul into his business, it isn’t a surprise that Loyd’s is still open and helping shoppers find just the right gift or item for their home or collection.
loydsgifts.com
Loyd’s Gifts & Collectibles is located at 504 Hampshire.
Tuesday – Thursday 10-5, Friday 10-4, Saturday 10-3
Closed Sunday and Monday.
Connect with Doug
217-214-5693
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Mane Therapie Salon & Spa
Hours Today: By appointment only
In this Heart of Quincy Business Spotlight we highlight Mane Therapie Salon & Spa. Owned and operated by Kris Mason, Mane Therapie Salon & Spa is a green circle salon that provides full haircare, skincare, facial waxing, brow tinting and lamination, lash lift and tints services using the cleanest and safest products and methods.
“I always wanted to do hair, but ended up in the nursing field for seven years first. I loved it but wanted to do hair and take care of people. 29 years later, here I am,” stated Mason. Kris first started with a friend’s salon for a year and then went into a suite with several stylists. “It was all a learning curve,” she stated. First, I had to learn what being an independent stylist on my own was like.” Kris worked part-time at a restaurant for nine years to supplement her income while she was building clientele. She bought her building, 838 Hampshire Street, in 2009. Two stylists and a nail tech rented booth spaces from her.
Kris has seen her share of ups and downs. In 2012, she purchased the building at 834 Hampshire and did major renovations. “Once completed, I had 9 booth renters–until the storm of 2015.” That storm leveled her spa (834) and damaged her salon (838). The 834 building was demolished and 838 was remodeled into the salon/spa/small boutique-style business it is today.
Kris attributes her success to having hired a business coach. “I wanted to build something that I could be proud of, help others, myself, and my business.” Growing a culture that was healthy in all aspects was important. She switched to an employee commission/hourly salon and spa and has never looked back.
Above/far right photo: Emily Goellner, stylist & Kris Mason, Mane Therapie Salon & Spa Owner
838 Hampshire Street • 217-221-8988 • manetherapiesalonandspa.com
HOURS
Monday, Tuesday, & Thursday 9am-7pm, Wednesday Noon-8pm, Friday 9am-5pm, Saturday 9am-3pmCORE VALUES
Integrity, Health Conscious, EducationIf you would like your District business featured in our Heart of Quincy series, please fill out the form. Be sure to send 4-5 photos of your business, your logo, etc.