Chickadees Gift Shop Makes Welcomed Roost in Kingsley

The Audubon Bird Guide reports that “Chickadees enliven the winter woods with their active behavior and cheery-sounding chick-a-dee call notes…a very popular bird, always welcomed.”

A growing Kingsley retailer, namesake of the feathery friends, will soon kick off a sweet addition supported with capital from Venture North Funding and Development.  Owner and operator, Stacey Walton, will be making her Chickadees Gift Shop even more endearing and popular, similar to the distinctive presence of the small, round, black-capped bird that visits our feeders.

“We promise meaningful gifts for loved ones and friends. Every shopper can enjoy wares from about 30 local vendors,” says Walton who doubles as a licensed massage therapist and owner of Peaceful Touch Massage at the same location. “Chickadees is packed with candles, handmade paperworks, gourmet foods including allergy-friendly fare, skincare products and a host of gifts offering spiritual and inspirational meaning, all possible because of Venture North’s support.”

Last year, Walton partnered with another local resident, Stephanie Brown, and created 2 Small Town Families, LLC which, beginning in May, will do business as Ice Cream Nest – also in the Chickadees building – drawing lovers of ice cream, a singularly inspirational treat!

Chickadees owner, Stacey Walton and family, along with just some of the many items for sale at the Kingsley gift shop.

“We’ll offer a variety of ice cream from Hudsonville, Ashby’s, Michigan Fresh and other Michigan-based creameries,” reports Walton.  “Whether you’re a northern Michigan visitor or a member of our growing community, you can browse and enjoy our rich variety of gifts, cone in hand if you’d like.  We want this to be an increasingly welcoming, cheerful place for all who visit.  Shoppers can also show their support for Kingsley with purchases of a variety of products featuring the orange and black colors of “Kingsley Stags,” our public school that has a multitude of successful programs,” she said.

Walton’s building also houses the SW Hair Studio, Dr. Katy Gorman Chiropractic and business offices in addition to Chickadees and the Ice Cream Nest.  “We’re also hoping that a business offering personal health, coaching and nutritional counseling will grow with us this year,” she says.

“We love making our business a Kingsley hub that is rich in diversity for our customers.  We think an increasing role for Venture North small business growth services is likely.”

“We gladly helped Stacey with her loan application, financial projections and as a sounding board for her growth plans,” said Annie Olds, Business Development Manager for Venture North.  “We look forward to helping with expanded bookkeeping and financial systems and marketing as her business continues to bloom.”

“Chickadees is as warm and inviting as the entire Kingsley community which has a great home town feel,” said Venture North president Laura Galbraith. “And Stacey and her inspiring business are certainly on our ‘must visit’ list for early May.  Ice cream is a great way to bring people together. Sweet!”