downtown decatur businesses

April 27, 2017April 28, 2017

Paco’s Sol Bistro | Small Business Feature

A day late on our monthly small business feature since yesterday was #BabyB’s second birthday so I wasn’t in the office, but I promise it’s worth the wait for the delicious local business! It’s our date night fav.

The Details: Pack’s Sol Bistro | Paco Greenwell, Owner | In Business: 7 years

Hours: Tues – Thurs, 11am-8pm; Fri-Sat 11am-9pm Mondays 11am-8pm beginning June 5th! | Location: 237 N Main St. Downtown Decatur

Tell us about your business… What do you do? Full service bar and restaurant that features 2 private party spaces.

What makes your business unique/special? Unique, made-from-scratch menu featuring all original recipes.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? Everyone should try the chicken meatloaf or southwest egg rolls. And guacamole if you are a fan.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have made a special food feature for several of our regular guests for their birthday. (Actually did this today) We also have Tervis cups for our most loyal bar regular with their name on them. We have also featured art from several local artists.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? When hosting a charity event, some regulars purchased a painting they knew we liked and gave it to us to hang in the restaurant.

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? My staff! They make it all happen.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I would rather not single out any. We always try to support any and all that we can.

Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? I love to make people happy. There’s no better way to the heart than through the stomach.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? I didn’t choose it. It chose me. I needed a job at 18. I started as a server and had my first management job at 18. I just took to it naturally. Thru my time I discovered my passion and ability to cook and come up with recipes. I love the combination of art and science in cooking.

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My wife and I are avid pool players and St. Louis Cardinal fans.

Describe your PERFECT day… 85 degrees without a cloud in the sky, hanging in the pool with my beautiful wife, my dogs, our family and friends. Music blasting, food on the grill and laughter all around.

See the latest news at:

http://www.solbistro.com/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog

If you’d like to have YOUR small business featured for FREE on the SJP blog (or know a small business we should feature) you can find details HERE!

January 26, 2017November 1, 2017

Mint Salon | Small Business Feature | Decatur IL

You guys!!!!! I’ve been waiting excitedly to share Mint Salon with you. I’m a bit biased toward this gorgeous salon since my hair stylist (aka hair artist/magician) Katie is there but I have to say I’ve heard over and over again how much my clients and friends love all the gals here. And brides, seriously there is NOT a more adorable salon for you and they have the state of the art SalonTouch Studio software that facilitates communicating your desires to the hairdresser, perfect for getting ready on your big day!

The Details: Mint Salon, Brook, Randi, Katie, Lydia and Ashely | In Business: 4 years

Hours: Vary per stylist on Tuesday through Saturday| Location: 363 S. Main St. Suite 409| Phone: Vary per stylist

Tell us about your business… What do you do? We are a locally owned salon offering hair-cuts, color, specialty styles, makeup, facial waxing, nails and pedicures.

What makes your business unique/special? We stay up to date on current trends and styles. Also our salon vibe is a vintage chic style.

See clearly the rest of Decatur knows how awesome this place is! Voted #1 in the Herald and Review Reader’s Choice 2015:

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? We LOVE a good blow out! It’s the perfect way to start off your weekend or to make it less work for you to style over the next couple days.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We offer classes and parties for friends to learn new tips & tricks. This also gives them the opportunity to socialize and have a little fun with their friends.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? We have had numerous great/cool things that our clients have done for us over the years. From jobs for family members, gifts, and concert tickets! We love our Mint clients!

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? OPI nail polish and Kenra hair products are our go-to products that we could just not do without!

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? Paco’s Sol Bistro and Donnie’s Pizza are our number one places to hangout and relax after a long week!

WHY did you choose to do what you do? We love people and love creating art out of hair.

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? From a young age I think we have all loved makeup, hair, and fashion. This is the best!

What are you passionate about outside of your business? Family, friends, music and of course a little shopping addiction as well.

Describe your PERFECT day… Brunch at the Blue Spoon, hanging at the pool with the family and some wine on the patio!

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Brook Banning– I’ve been doing hair for 14 years!! My reward and fav thing being a hair stylist is styling out the finished product of my cut and color! Outside of hair I absolutely love traveling so I can enjoy my favorite things like quality time with my kids, shopping, dancing, the beach and music!

Ashley Brown– I’ve been doing hair for almost 4 years. I love doing bright and fun colors. When I’m not at the salon, I like working on my new house and lounging with my animals.

Lydia Gentry-Nail tech at Mint Salon. I have been in the industry for 17 years. I have been at Mint since we opened 4 years ago. I love being the best part of my client’s day!!

Kara Williams– My favorite part of being a hairstylist is doing Upstyles such as weddings & proms. A little fun fact about me…I started college as a music major, so I love singing and enjoy a good family karaoke session.

Randi Johnston– I’ve been doing hair for 10 years and I love new color trends especially balayage and hair painting. When I’m not busy with my toddlers I love crafting, playing with makeup and decorating my house!

Katie Fucinari-Hair and makeup artist. I have been doing hair and makeup for ten years and specialize in bridal makeup. When I’m not in the salon I love to spend time with friends and family! Fun fact about me is I would love to own a old school muscle car!

See the latest news at:

http://www.mintsalondecatur.com/blog/

facebook.com/mintsalondecatur

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog

October 27, 2016October 27, 2016

Shop On Main | Small Business Feature

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I have a fabulous local business to share with you today!! I’ve had the honor to work with Cindy, the owner of Shop on Main, in a number of ways in my time here in Decatur. She’s designed beautiful wedding decor for a few of my brides and just a couple years ago I had the chance to photograph her and Mark in their beautiful home. But today, I’m even more excited to be able to show off her boutique located right in the heart of our city. Shop on Main is really the perfect store for all things lady; clothing, stunning jewelry, handbags, accessories, décor, gifts…. ladies if you want it, this shop has it (and I guarantee you’ll find things you didn’t even know you needed, but you do, you so do!).

So enough gushing from me… read on to hear more about this shop straight from Cindy herself (and get out those Christmas lists ladies, you’re going to want to take notes).

The Details: Cindy Deadrick Wolfer, Owner at Shop On Main | In Business: 39 years

Hours: M-F 10-5, Sat 10-4 By Appointment | Location: 407 N. Main, Decatur, IL | Phone: 217-422-2674

Tell us about your business… What do you do? We are a unique boutique featuring women’s clothing, accessories, gifts and décor.

What makes your business unique/special? Our boutique is special in many ways:

We do not “over order” meaning that we order just a few of each item.

We work with our clients to make sure the items they select are used in a fashion that reflects their personality.

We carry special lines of accessories that are only available at our location and in one local store

We have great customer service, including private shopping, client “wish lists for special occasions, gift wrapping, delivery and shipping.

We have plan “special events” including Sip and Shop Saturdays and informal modeling at the Wildflour on the last Thursday of each month.

What item/service on your menu or in your shop do you just LOVE and think everyone needs? I love the south so I love the Hilton Head inspired Spartina Collection of purses, jewelry and accessories. These linen and leather handbags are awesome.

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We have private shopping for those that just can’t get in during regular hours. Our dedicated staff also makes sure that our clients are thanked and called when a particular line of item arrives at Shop On Main.

What is the coolest thing you’ve ever had a client do for you? Let us decorate their home for the Holiday using our wonderful Holiday décor.

What other local business do you just LOVE? Why? I love each of the boutiques downtown because they each have their own personality. As store owners, we try hard to carry a variety of lines so that the same item is not seen over and over.

Tell us about YOU… WHY did you choose to do what you do? I have always wanted to be in business for myself and I have loved retail forever. Displaying the merchandise is my favorite part of working at the Shop On Main

When did you know you wanted to go into this business? Early early early in my childhood. Wanted to have the ability to be creative on a day to day basis.

What are you passionate about outside of your business? My family and my community.

Describe your PERFECT day… Every day is perfect in some special way.

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Paulette– wears about 6 different pairs of shoes in a day and is a dynamo when it comes to serving our clients.

Madalyn– only works one day a week, but is great with putting together a “special individual look” for our clients.

Cathy– creates awesome displays and unique combinations of attire to make a “statement”.

Donna– knows everyone and often has people stop in to see her newest “look”.

Renee-plans our events and style shows using her knowledge from her modeling days.

See the latest news at:

https://www.facebook.com/ShopOnMainIL/

See our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog.

SMALL BUSINESS OWNERS – We’re looking for new businesses to feature in 2017-2018 and we’d love to talk with YOU. These features are FREE and you can contact us at mail@sjanephotography.com now to get yours scheduled.

July 28, 2016July 28, 2016

Giggles | Small Business Feature | Decatur IL Shops on Merchant Street |

I’m so so excited for today’s blog post! Today I’m kicking of a series of features of some of the Decatur area’s fantastic local businesses. Each month (on the last Thursday of the month) I’ll have a brand new business to share with you. Decatur if FULL of amazing small businesses from shops to restaurants and talented small business owners from designers to mechanics. As a small business owner myself I know it can be tough, time consuming and expensive to get your name out into your market so I’m going to use my abilities to introduce YOU to THEM!

I’m starting with Giggles on Merchant! This shop is an amazing pandora’s box of wonders for kids of all ages (0-99)! You’re going to see a LOT of images in this feature but I can guarantee you I didn’t capture everything they have to offer you so you will definitely have to go in to see more for yourself (and stop by their brand new location at The Children’s Museum)!

The Details: Chrissy Spurlock, Owner/Manager at Giggles of Decatur & Giggles at the Museum | In Business: 8 years

Hours: Downtown: M-F 10-5, Sat 10-4, Sun closed Museum: M-F 10-4, Sat 10-4:30, Sun 1-4:30 | Location: 124 Merchant Street & 55.S Country Club Road (inside Children’s Museum of Illinois) | Phone: 217-475-1099

Tell us about your business…What do you do? We are a whimsical gift and card store that specializes in personalization & on-site custom invitations. We are a one stop shop… grab a gift, get a personalized gift bag, card and you’re on the way to the party!!

**I totally bought that contact case and it makes my day a little better every morning and evening!

*** Stocked up on books for baby B while I was there too (I swear I’m going to go broke doing these features!).

What makes your business unique/special? We are known for our Piggy Banks which we personalize and we also we strive to find unique toys/items that are not found at major retailers.

We LOVE everything in our store but out of it all I think everyone should have a custom personalized PIGGY BANK!!

In what way have you gone above/beyond in the past for a customer? We try and give each person the best customer service possible! That is why people keep coming back to us.. we help them create a one of a kind personalized item for that special occasion and if needed we do it on the spot (Same day service)!!

What’s the coolest thing a customer has ever done for you? We love are customers so much. We had one customer bring us cupcakes, another a banana cream pie! We have a long time customer that sends us flowers on our birthdays!

What tool/equipment/or other vendor could you not imagine doing business without? Why? It would have to be Del’s! We work together on a variety of things! Especially packaging items. We personalize the bucket/tote/pail and then Del’s fill it with their yummy goodies!

Why did you chose to do what you do? I grew up coming to this store and have always wanted to be a part of it… and I love our customers!! They are the best… love hearing people laugh everyday!

Introduce us to your STAFF…

Gay , She is our on-site Artist and has been with the store from the very beginning when it was “Just a Couple of Cards” .. 20 plus years!!

Judy, She is our onsite merchandiser. She can somehow make everything fit in our store! She also owned her own store “The Apple Peddler” for 19 years!!

Andi, She is our computer savvy go-to with a great sense of humor that always keeps us Giggling! She loves her 2 frenchies!! Woof-Woof

There is definitely LOTS more to see at Giggles, some of which you’ll find behind these doors… but you’ll have to go in to see them (no peeking here).

See the latest news from Giggles at: http://www.gigglesonmerchant.com/ | http://www.childrensmuseumofil.com/visit/museum-store/

View our other past small business features to connect with more businesses in our area:

See more from Sarah Jane Photography on our Facebook Page and follow us on Twitter @sjanephotog, Instagram @sjanephotograhy, and Snapchat @sjanephotog