Grounded Earth Collective Celebrates 1 Year of Business
Kim Boley and Denise Poole have been business owners and professional artists for more than 20 years. Boley, owner of HeART Vibes, and Poole, owner of Poole’s Antiques, joined forces and opened their collaborative business in Central City, Grounded Earth Collective (GEC), and have been operating successfully for the past year. We sat down with the business owners recently to learn more about their last year and what's next for GEC.
When asked about being part of the Central City community, Poole replied, “It's nice to be part of a small business community. GEC offers a bit of a twist and is different from other shops, but I think we are complementary to them.”
Boley added that businesses on 14STW are encouraging and supportive, and organized events by RenewAll and the Old Central City Association help bring people to the district to shop. “The spirit of the Central City community is very supportive and encourages helping each other instead of viewing others as competition,” Boley said.
Boley said she had that moment where she thought to herself, “Yes, this is why we created GEC,” when anytime someone comes into the shop and is feeling down, but leaves with a new perspective and keeps returning as a customer.
Poole agreed, adding that there is a need for the types of products the shop carries and being able to support other local artists. “People who come into the shop genuinely love that we are here, love the atmosphere, artwork, and are eager to participate in the workshops,” Poole said.
Poole and Boley said their personal values and passions help influence the products and experiences at GEC. Boley said she has been able to present her artwork and energy to each person who visits the store. “I am able to infuse my own energy into my art and help someone one-on-one through directing my energy to them personally. The products offered at Grounded Earth are items I have used myself in my own life,” Boley said.
Poole added that her support for other small businesses will always influence her, adding that Stone and Sage is not just a nice company, but all their products (teas, soaps, and more) are pure. “I strive to keep products natural in what I make or buy for resale,” Poole said.
As they enter into year two, Boley said that she is excited that the shop recently changed its description to a “metaphysical shop”, allowing more people to come to Central City to see what they have to offer. “ I intend to expand on this and expand on the types of items I produce for the shop to include more crystals and expand the variety of handmade items already offered,” Boley said.
Poole said she is interested in the shop looking for more collaborations. “I would like to focus more on experiences and offer more workshops, music, poetry, art classes, and more collaborations like with The Frame Station and other shops,” she said.
Boley said GEC was established to create a space where people would love to come to, that would lift their spirits and improve their mood and perspective, enhancing their overall quality of life. “We are more than a retail store,” Boley said. “We are offering an experience where people feel welcomed and cared for. Each person who visits our shop can feel the vibe and carry that energy with them out into the universe,” she added.
Be sure to stop in and wish GEC a Happy Anniversary and dive into exciting sales and activities all December long as the shop celebrates this exciting endeavor. The shop is located at 701 W 14th Street, Huntington, WV. Follow along and stay up-to-date with the latest at GEC by following their Facebook page.
Photos in the blog are courtesy of Appalachian Alternative and RenewAll Inc.
