Small businesses are the heart of any community, and West Michigan is no exception. It's more important than ever to shop locally and support those who enrich our community through their entrepreneurship, spirit and creativity.
In this Small Business Spotlight, we connected with Susan Coombes, Co-owner of Periwinkle FOG, to get to know more about this unique business located in the Historic Ledyard Building and what it offers shoppers.
Tell us about your small business, how it got started and what types of products and services you offer!
Periwinkle FOG is a unique gift shop featuring a curated collection of items for men, women and children, art, accessories, home decor and more. The shop is located in the historic Ledyard Building in the heart of Grand Rapids. Periwinkle FOG carries a mixture of locally sourced art, decor and books. We make best effort to work with minority owned businesses and businesses with sustainability models.
"Garden Table" by Ruth Posthumus, an artist featured in the store.
Share a bit about what makes Periwinkle Fog unique and what makes you passionate about what you do.
Following a stint with the Grand Rapids Art Museum store, it's closure and COVID, my business partner and I (Co-owner Lisa Radeck), decided downtown could still benefit from a gift shop. Many meetings later, the idea for Periwinkle FOG was developed. Having both worked in downtown for a number of years, we wanted to be here in the heart of the city. The store is in the civic, business and entertainment center of the city, plus, it's surrounded by 11 hotels. People from around the state and county shop with us.
What's your favorite part of owning a small business?
One of the best parts of being a business owner is the interaction with the people who visit the store and being involved with the local business community.
In addition to choosing to shop local when possible, how can the community support small businesses like yours?
Shop small, shop local—we encourage people to support local businesses. Shopping locally owned businesses is key to keeping local dollars in the local economy. When shopping local, spread the word—tell you friends and neighbors about a great local business you found. A wonderful in-store experience? Leave a review on Google, Yelp and Trip Advisor to direct others to the business.
With it being the holiday season, is there anything specific shoppers should be aware of?
For our holiday shoppers (and shoppers any time of the year), we offer shipping, local delivery of large art pieces and complimentary gift wrapping.
Anything additional you'd like to add?
During Earth Month, we encouraged people to recycle their unwanted, broken and unloved crayons with us. Over 40 pounds of crayons were collected and sent to the National Crayon Recycling Center in Arizona. On Arbor Day, we joined others to assist the Friends of Grand Rapids Parks to plant trees. Our crew of five planted five trees.
In addition, both myself and my business partner Lisa are Certified Tourism Ambassadors (CTA) At Large, through the national CTA Program. This means we try to keep on top of what's happening in and around the city to answer the many questions asked by visitors. And lastly, Periwinkle FOG is a Certified Diverse Business Enterprise – Woman-Owned Business!
Where can people find you/shop your products?
Visit Periwinkle FOG at 125 Ottawa Avenue NW #160, Grand Rapids, MI 49503. Visit online at periwinklefog.com and contact the store directly by reaching out to [email protected] or calling 616.805.5275.
Edited by Sarah Suydam, Managing Editor for West Michigan Woman.
Main Photo Courtesy of Diane Carroll Burdick.
Interior Photos Courtesy of Periwinkle Fog.
