Category: Business Spotlight
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A Dream Come True…but with a Shift
More Info: A Dream Come True…but with a ShiftHours 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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CELEBRATION, COMMUNITY, & CIGARS… The Luxe Stogie Co. Experience
More Info: CELEBRATION, COMMUNITY, & CIGARS… The Luxe Stogie Co. ExperienceHours Today: By appointment only
Tucked into 910 York Street, Luxe Stogie Co. is more than just a cigar shop—it’s a place where community, respect, and tradition meet. Owned by veteran Alex O’Neal, Luxe Stogie Co. blends a carefully curated retail experience with a welcoming lounge atmosphere, making it a destination for both seasoned cigar aficionados and those just beginning their journey.
The inspiration for Luxe Stogie Co. came in an unforgettable moment of celebration. After his son-in-law graduated from USMC Boot Camp in San Diego, Alex purchased two cigars so the two could mark the milestone together. That experience sparked a dream of creating his own cigar lounge—a vision he brought to life with determination and encouragement from his wife. After months of research and planning, he launched Luxe Stogie Co. in the fall of 2023.
Go for it! It’s very scary to start your own business, but when you set your mind to something and you give it your all, it’s an amazing journey.
Alex O’Neal, Luxe Stogie OwnerWhat sets Luxe Stogie apart is its unwavering commitment to respect and hospitality. “You show us respect, we show you respect,” Alex says. “We like to meet customers where they are in their life, whether they are just curious about cigars or are seasoned cigar smokers.” Luxe Stogie Co. takes pride in its Veteran-owned roots and carries a wide selection of high-quality cigars, including many from other veteran-owned companies. Every humidor is meticulously maintained to ensure customers enjoy the finest smoking experience possible.
The company’s growth has been remarkable. Luxe Stogie Co. began as a mobile-only lounge, traveling to events to introduce customers to its collection. By June 2024, the business had grown enough to open a brick-and-mortar retail space with a small public lounge. Just a year later, in spring 2025, Luxe Stogie Co. expanded its public lounge space. This fall, the business will complete Phase 3 of its expansion: a members-only lounge designed to offer an elevated and exclusive experience.
Alex is quick to credit the support of customers and fellow business owners for helping Luxe Stogie Co. grow faster than he ever imagined. His advice for aspiring entrepreneurs is simple but powerful. “Go for it! It’s very scary to start your own business, but when you set your mind to something and you give it your all, it’s an amazing journey.”
With its roots in respect, service, and community, Luxe Stogie Co. continues to thrive as Quincy’s go-to destination for quality cigars and good company.
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Mane Therapie Salon & Spa
More Info: Mane Therapie Salon & SpaHours 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.
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RIVER ROOTS
More Info: RIVER ROOTSHours Today: By appointment only
A Quincy Classic with Deep Local Roots
River Roots sits on Maine Street like a time capsule with a pulse—part headshop, part local art gallery, part community living room. The kind of place you walk into “just to look around” and end up staying a while because it feels good to be there. Owned by Amy Phelps, River Roots has become a Quincy staple for people who appreciate old-school culture, handmade creativity, and a shop that’s clearly built with love.
“We’re an original old school headshop,” Amy says, and she means that in the best way. River Roots specializes in glass art, especially pieces made by artists from Quincy and other Mississippi River towns. It isn’t mass-produced, cookie-cutter inventory. It’s local work with personality—pieces that carry a little bit of the region in them.
Amy started River Roots with her heart more than a business plan. She was looking ahead to retirement and wanted to spend that next chapter doing something that genuinely made her happy. “I wanted something to do that I love leading into my retirement,” she explains. But it wasn’t just about her—it was about Quincy too. “Quincy needed a cool hippy store,” she says, so she built one.
Her vision has always been rooted in people. “Personal relationship with customers,” Amy says, is what guides her decisions, along with “trying to fill my store with locally made products.” That commitment has shaped River Roots into something bigger than a storefront. “In 7 years we’ve gained 79 artists,” she says proudly, “whether they’re from Quincy or another Mississippi River town.”
“Quincy needed a cool hippy store”
Amy Phelps, Owner/River RootsThe shop’s reputation has traveled far beyond the river towns. River Roots was named Head Shop of the Month in a national industry magazine—an honor that still makes Amy grin. “It was also the 420 edition,” she adds, a perfect little cherry on top for a business that’s always stayed true to its culture.
If Amy has one piece of advice for someone dreaming of opening their own place, she doesn’t sugarcoat it: “Location is key!” River Roots is living proof of what can happen when the right business meets the right community—built on local art, loyal customers, and a vibe that keeps Quincy coming back.
River Roots Smoke Shop
Amy Phelps, owner
703 Maine St
Quincy IL 62301
(217) 214-BONG
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Shandi’s: A Sweet Addition to Downtown
More Info: Shandi’s: A Sweet Addition to DowntownHours Today: By appointment only
Starting as a mobile trailer in 2023 and opening her 6th Street location in August 2025, Shandi Long’s popularity has grown quickly over the last couple of years. Shandi’s is a dessert shop offering a wide variety of dessert options, including ice cream, sundaes, seasonal extreme shakes, coffee, and flavors of hot cocoa and lemon shake-ups.
“Take the jump! You only live once. I’m glad I did.”
–Shandi LongHer business is family-run and operated. Shandi shares, “We are super kid- and family-friendly. We love the interaction with everyone and their faces when they experience the Extreme Shakes.” What started as a weekend hobby has rapidly changed into what it is today. At this point in running her business, one of Shandi’s biggest achievements has been being featured on TikTok food critic, GrazingGuse’s page, which has over 40,000 followers. When asked “what would you say to others who are considering becoming an entrepreneur”, Shandi stated:
“Take the jump! You only live once. I’m glad I did.”
– Shandi LongShandi’s
104 N 6th Street
Wed-Thurs: 11am – 8pm
Fri-Sat: 11am – 9pm
Sun: Noon – 5pm
