POULSBO — It took three years of research, but when Nanci Church saw the opportunity to put her data into action, she didn’t hesitate.
With a rare opening of a key location on Poulsbo’s busy Front Street Church simply knew that the time had come to open her own business and wanted to inspire customers who happened upon the store. So far, she’s been doing exactly that.
Inspirations Furnishings, Gifts and Garden Accessories opened on Feb. 6 and the public response to the shop during the first week was excellent, Church explained.
“It’s been very positive,” she remarked with a smile. “People seem to be very receptive to it. I’m just really excited to finally get the paper off the windows.”
The unveiling — or “unwrapping” as the case may be — was a much-anticipated one and introduced a beautifully renovated store to downtown shoppers and visitors.
“It’s elevated this end of town,” said employee Dianne LaBissoniere “We’ve had some major remodeling done here.”
The changes are hard to miss and has resulted in a steady stream of customers already.
“We’re getting a good mix of tourists and locals,” Church said. “The general consensus is that it’s inviting.”
The store also radiates a high degree of ambiance, and a very homey feeling thanks to the addition of a fireplace. The mixture is due not only to the tasteful items and layout but, according to the owner, plenty of help from LaBissoniere as well.
“She has been instrumental in getting this store open,” Church said of LaBissoniere, who described the start-up process as “overwhelming.”
Church used her background in antique sales and a degree in art history to conceptualize the store and make it happen.
“I wanted this place to have a variety of unique things,” she explained, adding that classy furnishings were augmented by hard-to-find garden accessories and gifts. “My goal is to offer sophisticated accents for the home at an affordable price. We have a little bit of everything.”
Church relocated to Poulsbo from Mission Viejo, Orange County, Calif. about three years ago but was able to quickly ascertain what Front Street was lacking.
“Poulsbo needed a home and garden accessory store,” she said.
And now it has one. As for keeping her “Inspirations” going strong, she remarked, “We’ll continue to expand our merchandise depending on what the community desires.”
