It’s a kid’s world and we are all just living in it.
Playtopia of Starkville, located at the old Tuesday Morning at 402 Hwy. 12, held its soft opening this month. The indoor playground for children up to 12 was announced earlier this year by owner Kelsey Anderson, alongside her husband Bryan, friend Kelsey Griggs and a group of angel investors.
The idea began several years ago with daydreaming sessions between friends.
Playtopia offers separate play areas, a toddler area for those 3 and younger and a “big kid zone” with a ninja warrior course, multi-level jungle gym and more. Judging from the photos, the space is unrecognizable and it looks like the new spot for my nieces and nephew when they come to visit. You can check out the Playtopia on social media for photos and regular updates.
Some sad Starkville news, a local floral shop has sold its last bouquet.
Fleur de Lis Flowers and Gifts at 220 E. Main St. is officially closed after 13 years of business. Owner Joni Lofton-Leonhard thanked customers one more time Dec. 26 on the final day of shopping.
“Thank you for trusting me with your celebrations, your hard days, your milestones and your ‘just because’ moments,” Lofton-Leonhard posted online. “You became more than customers – you became friends, family and part of my story. I love you all more than you know.”
She added that folks can email her for consultations for larger parties and special events, hoping to still fill that need in a different way.
Moving over to Columbus, we have business news all over.
A city favorite, Huck’s Place at 121 Fifth St. S., celebrated 17 years this month.
In 2008, Brian and Bubba Huckaby moved back to the Columbus area, where they grew up, to open a downtown restaurant.
Having a restaurant for this long, surviving cost increases, staffing issues that plague so many small businesses and even COVID-19 pandemic is incredible. Congratulations to Huck’s and may you continue to serve hamburgers, steaks and Cajun fare for years to come!
More business changes downtown.
Girlz N Pearlz, 107 Fifth St. S., held a store closing sale last week.
Owner Lisa Jones posted online saying everything must go.
“Thank you to every single customer who came out and supported our biggest sale ever,” Jones posted online. “We are officially sold out, and we couldn’t have done it without you. This is not the end of Girlz N Pearlz – this is a new beginning.”
I did get in touch with Jones and it looks like that new beginning is coming to fruition.
Girlz N Pearlz is relocating to 232 Idlewild Road, near Pizza Hut. She hopes to reopen next month but keep up online for more details.
“This move allows us to refresh, regroup and come back even stronger with new inventory, new energy and expanded plans for the boutique,” Jones said.
On the outskirts of Columbus, a New Hope business woman continues to find success. Ashley Shaw, owner of Teas and Leaves at 58 Center Road, has owned the plant and tea shop for about three years. Previously known as The Vault, Shaw renamed the business to coincide with its new services. Late this year, Shaw decided to purchase the entire building, which houses her shop, a boutique and a studio apartment.
“Buying the building has been incredibly meaningful for us and brings a deep sense of security to our business,” she said. “For a long time, there was always the worry of what might happen if the building sold and we were no longer able to stay. With so few spaces available for small businesses in New Hope, and with a community that has supported us so wholeheartedly, the idea of having to leave was especially difficult. Owning the building gives us peace of mind and the comfort of knowing that this place we’ve built, and the community we love, will continue to be our home, unless we decide otherwise.”
Congratulations to Shaw on her latest venture!
Happy New Year!
Former Dispatch reporter Mary Pollitz writes weekly about interesting business news. Have a tip? Send it to [email protected].
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Quality, in-depth journalism is essential to a healthy community. The Dispatch brings you the most complete reporting and insightful commentary in the Golden Triangle, but we need your help to continue our efforts. In the past week, our reporters have posted 33 articles to cdispatch.com. Please consider subscribing to our website for only $2.30 per week to help support local journalism and our community.
