row .
“ I have so many incredible friends who do importing and crafting and they do fair trade goods from all over the world and I wanted to support their businesses and bring the wonderful products that they have to my community ,” said Ellis . “ More than that , I wanted to bring the community vibe that happens at a festival . There ’ s this energy of ‘ we ’ re all in it together ’ that takes place at a festival , and just radical acceptance of anyone . Anyone for any reason can come in and be seen and validated for their existence . I wanted to bring that feeling and that aspect of A Bazaar Universe ’ s energy to Somerset .”
However , the Old City Hall location was a little out of the way , and empty storefronts closer to the heart of downtown beckoned . And last year , Ellis couldn ’ t resist moving into the space at 214 East Mt . Vernon Street , Suite B .
“ Flashback was amazing and I ’ ll forever be grateful to ( FbTC ’ s ) Sommer
Schoch ,” said Ellis . “ The community loved it so very much that when the opportunity presented itself to move ( into the current space ), I was not about to pass that opportunity up . I ’ m very grateful for that space . It ’ s very magical .”
Step inside and the feel of old Somerset is still there — the natural lighting , the beautiful ceilings , the hardwood floors and the window facing East Mt . Vernon Street traffic .
“ Now the visibility factor and the ease of access ( has helped the business grow ),” said Ellis . “ When we were in Old City Hall , it was more difficult for people to find us . We ’ d get a bunch of calls like , ‘ Where are you guys located ?’ and people would even drive past it ,” said Ellis . “ Now we ’ ve got a beautiful spot right next to the gorgeous newly-renovated Virginia Theater in the very , very heart of downtown . So when there are festivals and events , we are very much a part of that now .”
In addition to clothing , the store carries a selection of books , high-quality crystals and dazzling gemstones , candles and incense , jewelry pieces , and other curiosities and notions .
Ellis also carries locally- and regionallyproduced products from other businesses , such as a variety of items with a unique fragrant scent from the Woodstock Lavender Co .
“ I love getting to be a part of this community in that way ,” said Ellis , now a Kentucky Proud business owner . “ That ’ s very similar to the festival vibe . I met ( the Woodstock Lavender Co . owners ) years ago at art fairs whenever I was setting up selling my handmade stuff and they were setting up theirs . It ’ s really cool to be able to have their products and be able to work together .”
The newest addition to A Bazaar Universe has proven one of its biggest hits — fresh-made fruit smoothies and parfaits .
“ I ’ d always had the idea that I wanted to provide the community with more
42 • SEKY - Life in Southeast Kentucky June 2023