MOUNT VERNON — Sewing and alterations as well as bridal and formal creations can now be found in Mount Vernon at Custom Bridal Creations at 3 Public Square. Owner Karen McClellan opened the business Feb. 1, moving here from the Hocking Hills area, having also previously operated an arts supply store.
McClellan can perform alterations and mending of clothing, zipper repair, give sewing lessons and provide custom design of bridal gowns and bridesmaids’ dresses. “I always want to give customers the choice of donating a portion of the money to local charities,” said McClellan. “I’m all about the local economy and supporting local charities.”
Prospective grooms can go to Custom Bridal Creations for their tuxedo rental. People looking for a prom dress or homecoming apparel will also have some options to explore. And anyone looking for a wedding or other special gown can take in a photo, and McClellan will try to create a custom dress for you.
An open house is planned for Saturday, March 24, where customers can enjoy music, refreshments and receive more information on what Custom Bridal Creations is all about. For more information, go to www.weddingplanner.com or www.karensohiosewing.com. They can also be reached at (740) 503-5067.
Ladies looking for some fashionable “bling” can now venture to 10 S. Main St. in Mount Vernon to Kristin’s Kouture Kollections. Kristin Leech had been selling purses and wallets out of her home until business kept growing at a faster pace than she could keep up with at home. “So here I am,” said Kristin, in her store which opened Jan. 28.
“Business has been very good,” said Leech, admitting that sales have been growing at a steady pace. Kristin’s offers hats, scarves, jewelry, purses, boots, tops and other fashions, “in every style you could ever want.” Camouflage purses, sunglasses and even bling flip-flops are some of the specialty items you can find at Kristin’s. “I’m all about bling,” she said.
Those wishing to keep up with special deals or updates on new fashions at Kristin’s can send a text to C331 and 36-000. Kristin’s can also be reached at 627-7740. A ribbon-cutting ceremony is also being planned.
A unique source for those wanting to stock up on emergency supplies is now found in Mount Vernon at Off the Grid, 3 W. High St. Owner Edward Oakes had been running his own auto collision shop for many years and decided to change his course and open a new store offering a variety of survival kit items.
Opened on Jan. 13, Off The Grid stocks items including water filtration systems, water storage containers, food storage bins, flashlights, lanterns, first aid kits, pepper spray, NOAA radios, disaster survival kits and even prepackaged food that can last for up to 30 years. One popular item is a backpack filled with a three-day supply of food and emergency items.
“Business has been pretty good so far,” said Oakes, adding that there have been some days which were very good. Hours of operation for Off The Grid are 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Friday and 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. Saturdays.
Shoppers looking for unique, one-of-a-kind pillows can now find them at Pillows By Marie, 13 W. High St. Marie Minor has been creating decorative, hand-beaded throw pillows as a hobby for many years and has now launched her hobby into a business. “They’re very unique, and they take hours to make,” said Minor, who is also an interior decorator. “They’re more of a piece of art than anything.”
Exquisite beads and high-end fabric are what characterize Minor’s pillows. She will also create custom-made pillows for customers who have specific requests. “If it doesn’t sparkle, I don’t do it,” said Minor.
Most of her pillows are 18-inches square, but she will also do a few rectangular-shaped items. Select pillows are also on display at The Alcove for viewing. Hours for Pillows By Marie are 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Tuesday through Friday and 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.
