The Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce welcomed four new businesses to Brady St. in Downtown Allegan with a Block Party-style Ribbon Cutting Celebration on Saturday, July 31. State Representative, Mary Whiteford, and State Senator Aric Nesbitt’s Director of Constituent Relations, Josh Przygocki, were on hand to present State of Michigan Tributes, signed by Whiteford and Nesbitt. Adding to the festivities was TasteBudz Food Truck, serving up delicious food for those at the Block Party and Downtown Allegan’s annual Sidewalk Sales.
The party kicked off at Class Act Salon at 134 Brady St. Jen Clark purchased the salon near the end of 2019 and operated it in its original location on Marshall St where it had been since it opened in 2002. After the purchases of, and total transformation, of the space on Brady St., Clark moved the business downtown in May 2021 to the location that had most recently housed the City of Allegan Welcome Center and the Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce. Class Act Salon is a full-service salon for the entire family – men’s, women’s, and kid’s haircuts; highlights; specialty color; waxing; pedicures, manicures; full sets; gel polish, and facials.
Morgan Bird, and her husband, Elijah, opened the doors to Let It Grow Plant Shop on May 1, 2021, and seemingly unleashed an Allegan plant-buying frenzy. The shop, located at 136 Brady St. inside ONE Enterprises, LLC’s The Heritage, has been well-received necessitating weekly arrivals of new succulents and house plants. The Birds bring their considerable knowledge and enthusiasm for plants to the endeavor and are eager to share their passion with their customers. Ceramist Eric Essenburg set up his pottery wheel to throw some handcrafted pots for the grand opening event.
Next up was an overdue, pandemic-delayed, ribbon cutting welcoming Annie Lane Bridal to Allegan. The off-the-rack dress shop, managed by Annie’s daughter, Madison Wright, opened its doors at 137 Brady St. in September of 2020 and features dresses sized 0 – 30 and range in price from $400 to $3500. The Annie Lane Bridal team “believe[s] anyone can find a dress, no matter their size, color, or abilities. We want you to come as you are because you are beautiful.” Annie Lane Bridal also has shops located in Zeeland and at Rivertown Crossings in Grandville.
Concluding the quartet of ribbon cuttings was Chosen Love Portrait Studio & Doula Care, LLC, located at 141 Brady St. Owner Joanna Oviedo is a professional photographer and birth doula who has a passion for “empowering women during different stages of their lives.” Joanna specializes in maternity, newborn, and boudoir fine art portraiture as well as birth photography and doula care services.
Chamber Executive Director, Tim Perrigo, stated, “These young entrepreneurs represent the next generation of Allegan business owners. All are empowered women empowering other women. The Allegan Area Chamber of Commerce is honored to be a part of this special day and welcome them to Downtown Allegan.”
“It is wonderful to see the spirit of entrepreneurship and small business taking hold once again on Brady St.,” said Ben Otis or ONE Enterprises. “All of these talented ladies have done a fantastic job of bringing their passions to life and we all get to benefit from their efforts.”
City of Allegan Downtown Manager, Parker Johnson, said, “The addition of these four new businesses on Brady St is a testament to the continued growth of Downtown Allegan and its offerings. All of these women bring their own exciting personal element to downtown, creating more incentive to shop locally, and enhancing Allegan’s status as a regional destination for shopping, dining, and entertainment.”
Congratulations Madison, Joanna, Morgan, and Jen.
