Kingston has always had such special meaning to me.
Maybe it’s the fact that for five generations my family has been a part of this community. Hearing stories and visiting places that only the old timers know about has made me believe that I had a secret pass at the world surrounding Apple Tree Cove.
One of the reasons I wanted to get involved in reporting community news was to support our businesses. If we don’t use them and support them we will all wake up one day and be back in the early years of the Kingston settlers and downtown will be gone.
One thing I know has made this a wonderful community is the women who have helped mold it. The years of hard work are starting to pay off. Many of the businesses in town are being ran, owned and operated by women.
With that in mind, the first business owner I’m highlighting is Michelle Lanning, the owner of Lil Sprouts Toy Shop on State Route 104.
Lanning is another longtime local. Her father, Richard Belmont Jr., is a member of the Suquamish Tribe, and served for many years as a tribal chairman. Her mother, Carolyn Playter, was raised in Kingston. Even Lanning’s grandfather, Ted Playter, owned and ran the scrap metal yard on Bond Road. Needless to say it is in Lanning’s blood to be a business owner in Kingston.
“Owning a green, organic, eco-friendly toy shop is so exciting for me, and I am so excited to share it with the little town I love so much.” Lanning said.
As a mother of four — Tyler, 8; Chad, 17; Courtney, 20; and Ashley, 25 — Lanning is finally able to follow her heart .
What she always wanted to see come into downtown Kingston was a toy shop. When no one leased a storefront owned by her and husband Rick, Lanning took matters into her own hands. She came up with a concept shoppers might find in a fancy downtown Seattle toy store. Lil’ Sprouts specializes in environmentally friendly, heirloom-quality toys.
The best part, as Lanning sees it, is that Kingston residents don’t have to drive outside their town to get a perfect baby shower gift, or birthday present for a special little one. It can now be found right in downtown Kingston.
Lanning takes the time to hand pick toys and games she sells in her store. She carries brand name toys like Spring, Maple Landmark, The Little Experience, HABA.
You have to know that what you are buying is as unique as she is. She only buys from companies that support green and fair labor practices. Her toys are not just safe for babies but good for the planet too.
Stacey Goodrich blogs at http://kingstongirlie.blogspot.com. Follow her on Twitter at kingstongirlnew find her on Facebook at Kingston Girlnews, or write her at kingstongirlnews@gmail.com.
