For 5 Questions this week the Herald speaks to Jenny Curry and Emily Eisenbeisz, owners of Geneva’s, a boutique located at 417 Fourth Ave. in Reynolds, North Dakota.
Q: Can you tell us a little bit about yourselves? Why did you go into business?
A: We are sisters who have always dreamed of one day opening a boutique that we would name Geneva's, after our late grandma, who loved little shops. Growing up in Buxton, N.D., instilled in us the magic of a small town. Fast forward many years, babies and moves later and we found ourselves an opportunity that fell right into our lap. We felt like it was our dad in heaven saying, "Go! Here is your chance!"
Q: Tell us about your shop, what products do you offer?
A: Our shop is seasonal so it changes often and is only open on certain weekends. It's a small-town shop of unique home decor, gift items and fair trade jewelry. Along that same line, seed starters and push pop pollinators will be offered. It's the perfect way to get a headstart on spring time gardening indoors. Mother's Day is right around the corner! We have spring decor, such as high-end candles, baskets, pillows, kitchen items and towels, vases, planters, ceramic bunnies. There are always local baked goods and refreshments available.
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Q: You set up shop in Reynolds, N.D. How did you choose that location?
A: All because of sauerkraut. Jo Noel and her family sell canned sauerkraut in Reynolds. Our mom was buying some from them when she learned about the building that Jo just purchased. Jo didn't know exactly what it would become but knew she wanted to see life and growth for the community come from it. We had a plan and ran with it.
Q: Geneva's sells fair trade jewelry. What is it, where does it come from?
A: It is a global movement that helps so many people around the world. The jewelry is handmade by artisans, many being women, who live in some of the poorest communities in the world. They are able to work in a safe environment where they earn fair wages and have access to education. When you purchase a piece of jewelry, that provides rice for a family for a week.
Q: Where can we learn more about your shop? How have people responded to it? Any future plans?
A: You can find us on Facebook and Instagram , @shopGeneva's. There you will see our schedule and more of what we sell. We look forward to seeing you there. We're just so grateful for the support we've been given so far. I think that's because people really want to support the small towns. People drive from Grand Forks, and we didn't even know a lot of them; it was pretty amazing. We take Geneva's future one season at a time, but we are so grateful for the support this community has given us.
