A Step Back in Time

Artists and crafters in the Solon Springs area have a new place to showcase their handiwork and even make a little profit with the recent opening of “A Step Back In Time,” a craft and consignment shop owned and operated by David and Donette Smith of Hawthorne, WI.

Donette Smith has enjoyed craftwork all her life, and for the past twenty years has done some selling of her work in the Solon Springs area, mainly through family, friends, and word of mouth.  Recognizing the potential for other area artists to do the same, Donette and her husband David, also a skilled craftsman, began thinking about the possibility of opening a retail art and craft store in the community.  Not only would it provide an outlet for other local artists to showcase and sell their work, it would also be a place for tourists and local art and craft lovers to shop for an assortment of unique, locally made items. 

To gain some more insight into the business planning process before moving forward with their idea, the Smiths enrolled in the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund’s CORE FOUR^® Business Planning Course.

“The CORE FOUR^® Business Planning Course opened our eyes to all the aspects of operating a business,” says Donette.  “To really understand all of the aspects of planning out our business has been invaluable.”

After completing the course, the Smiths began working with NEF Business Developer Shawn Wellnitz and Michelle Johnson of The Development Association in Superior to further develop their business plans. 

“Shawn has taught us a lot more than we ever could have imagined,” says Donette, “and we are very glad for Michelle Johnson from the Douglas County Development Association.”

David, having previous experience in business management and entrepreneurship, takes care of the business’ bookkeeping and facility maintenance while contributing his woodworking and carpentry skills to provide handmade furniture and other such items to the store’s selection. 

Donette utilizes her experience as an event organizer in her roles of customer service, inventory management, and maintaining consignments.  She also creates her own artwork and crafts for sale in the store.

“David and Donette’s strengths are their combined abilities to bring in local handmade quality items, including their own,” says Wellnitz.  “It not only showcases the area artistic talent, but gets the community involved.”

With funding from the Northeast Entrepreneur Fund to help with some of its inventory and start-up costs, “A Step Back In Time” opened its doors in the fall of 2004.