Local Business

Haley Wilson, founder of The Culture Experience LLC, and Molly Frey, owner of The Pasfield House, spoke to Community Voices to announce The Culture Experience's residency at the historic Pasfield House.

Jen DeJong is the owner of Sicilian Encounters. She spoke to Community Voices about her business through which she helps guests explore Sicily and her mother's hometown, Montevago, like a local. She explained the history of Sicily and its rich culture and cuisine. She also shared what it was like growing up with an Italian parent and grandparent and how she hopes to create more opportunities for cultural exchange between Illinois and Montevago residents.To learn more visit: https://www.sicilianencounters.com/

Dr. Jessica Ostermeier is the owner of Ball-Chatham Veterinary Services. She spoke to Community Voices about her practice that focuses on creating a calm environment for anxious pets. She also shared how she’s hoping to help students entering a career in veterinarian medicine and how pet owners can use preventative measures to keep their furry friends healthy and happy.For more information about Ball-Chatham Veterinary Services visit: https://www.ballchathamvet.com/

The Flower Factor is a new floral design business located at 401 South Grand Avenue West in Springfield. Owners Henry Cronister and Asif Cronister spoke to Community Voices about the flower shop, how they split up running the business, designing floral arrangements for royalty and plans for expansion into selling tropical plants and fish.To learn more about the Flower Factor visit: https://theflowerfactorllc.com/

Dena and Carina Gilley help Springfield area residents and businesses with sustainable organization and decluttering through Gilley’s Organizing. They spoke to Community Voices about their process, their mother-daughter dynamic and the impact of clutter on stress.

The Crafted Stag Supply is a new store offering men’s clothing and accessories, but unlike other clothing stores, it also offers other services like freshly brewed coffee and a hot shave. Owner Grant Hammer spoke to Community Voices about the Crafted Stag Supply and explained it’s a man cave where customers can not only enjoy the products offered, but also the experience of shopping.For more information visit: https://craftedstagsupply.com/

Sid Stanton and Ed Gonet are the cofounders of Soil Food, a local business out of Cantrall and Petersburg, which produces natural fertilizers made from word castings. Stanton and Gonet explained how the quality of their product stands out among competitors and how their pet tortoise Erma led to the development of their organic worm farm.For more information about Soil Food visit: https://soilfoods.com/

Golden Bridges works with seniors and others who are overwhelmed with the task of downsizing or moving. The company serves Adams county and surrounding areas such as Springfield. Golden Bridges co-owner Suzanne Ellerbrock and the Springfield Liaison Terri Hempstead spoke to Community Voices about senior move management, empathy and the process they take in helping a person downsize. They also talk about repurposing and how senior move management helps the whole family.

The Women Entrepreneurs of Central Illinois (WECI) are hosting the Women Entrepreneurs Showcase on March 6 from 4:30-7 p.m. WECI members Alyssa Furling and Robin Loftus spoke to Community Voices about the event and the various businesses featured.

The Cats' Pyjamas is the new cat café opening soon in Springfield, Ill. The owners are Springfield locals Tom Raymond and Samantha Enz. They spoke to Community Voices about the origins of cat cafes, how to properly engage with cats and what they hope to offer at the café. They also talk about the benefits of having a cat café in town.