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Diane, Karen & Amy
Hatteberg's People
Reporter: Larry Hatteberg
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August 15, 2004-On Hatteberg’s People, how does a small community keep attracting visitors to its downtown? In Anthony, Kansas three women entrepreneurs, self-described as strong willed, are betting that by being creative they can help keep their town alive. |
Meet Diana Schmidt, she owns Kaylane’s Kloset in Anthony, Kansas.
“Just telling people that we’re a fun little town with great stores wasn’t enough.”
Across the street Karen Cather owns Tillie Smith Gifts and Collectibles.
“It’s not that we don’t play well with others, it’s just that if we have an idea we go for it.”
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And just down the block is Amy Wells, proprietor of J/Mac Flowers and gifts.
“I would pity anybody who gets in our way, yeah. Especially when you put the three of us
together we’re a force to be reckoned with.”
Anthony is like other small towns…struggling to keep its stores alive, and trying to attract visitors.
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So these three-business women, hit on an idea called ‘Diva Day Away’. Simply stated, by appointment, they attract female shoppers to Anthony by making them feel
special. (Diva Participant) “So this all came about when you decided how can we draw people to this town.”
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| They bought a house, redecorated it, and turned it into an escape into luxury for female tourists. The hope of course, is that they will spread the word to others about the good things going on in
Anthony. |
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(Diane) “We did it ourselves, because we are control freaks, so we like to keep control of it.”
The key here is, they did it with their own money. They didn’t go to the city.
Didn’t ask for public funds. Didn’t ask for tax abatement. Just did it on their own…with help from other members of the Anthony business community.
(Karen) “We couldn’t pull this off if all the other stores didn’t cooperate and get excited about it and they are just as excited about it as we are.
Each (diva) receives a sack full of goodies, gifts and coupons to use in Anthony businesses. In towns like these, it’s not only about being creative to attract people, it’s more than that…it’s saving the small-town lifestyle.
Then with a meal, a lot of laughter, and some games, the women (or Divas) will leave to hopefully shop in Anthony stores. |
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(Amy) “We’re getting letters and thank-you notes and all kinds of things just telling us they had a great time.”
These work-a-holic women are strong supporters of downtown Anthony. They want to keep their downtown vibrant…and keep out any Wal-Mart intrusion.
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(Diane) “We have a thriving main street and one of the reasons is…we don’t have a Wal-Mart.”
(Karen) “And that’s what so many people who come in and participate in Diva Day, that’s what they say is hang in there…don’t let Wal-Mart get in there.”
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Long-term benefits of the project are not yet known, but small town entrepreneurs, like Diane, Karen and Amy are hoping their idea will help keep local business open and the tourist coming back to Anthony, Kansas.
Larry’s Note: For more information on “Diva Day-Away” call 620 842-3867 or go to this web site:
http://www.kaylaneskloset.com/divadayaway.html |
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