KANE — One long empty storefront disappears in Kane, and in its place now stands a unique business with an enthusiastic owner, three more jobs, and a distinct country flavor as Homespun Treasures of DuBois opened a second location in Kane.
Homespun Treasures’ owner, Tina Brewer, opened her DuBois shop in 1992 as she was attracted to the atmosphere of the country crafts decorating her own home. However, she got the notion to open a second location in Kane after spending a significant amount of time in the borough with her boyfriend. Brewer noted the absence of a store like hers in Kane and thought the uniqueness of her store would be a great addition to the borough’s business landscape.
Brewer’s process of opening Homespun’s Kane location was a virtual whirlwind. She said it was approximately five weeks between looking at a prime location on U.S. Route 6 to Saturday’s grand opening celebration.
She bought the building at 305 Fraley St., a former feed and seed store which has been vacant for 10 years. She was ecstatic to find a building along Route 6 which has ample off street parking. Brewer is equally pleased her new location has plenty of room to grow. She also hired three local part-time employees to tend her new store. Brewer describes the new Homespun crew as “wonderful people from Kane.”
Brewer said she likes the creative aspect of her business. Approximately 60 percent of the items available for sale in her shop, she said. While she makes many smaller wooden items, Brewer believes her best sellers are old windows with designs she has painted on them.
Homespun Treasures offers hand-painted personalized items for events such as anniversaries, Christmas and weddings, Brewer said. In fact, she has an entire room dedicated to country weddings, which has turned into a blossoming business, she said. Brewer has already booked one wedding for Saturday.
Brewer is grateful for the support she has already received from Kane. She said her business is keeping her busy into “the wee hours of morning,” and she would not have it any other way.
“We have had a wonderful opening,” Brewer said. “Kane has supported a girl they didn’t know.”
Homespun Treasures will hold its official grand opening on Saturday with hot dogs, cake and kettlecorn. St. Marys radio station WDDH-FM 97.5 The Hound radio station will also be on hand.
