Genevieve’s Home & Handmade is a Blue Springs gem. Offering a mixture of vintage, home goods, gifts, women’s clothing and handmade items from over 25 local artists, owner Pam Wheeler carries on the legacy of her grandmother through the quaint boutique situated on the corner of Main & 15th Street.

When Genevieve’s faced temporary closure due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Pam recalls closing her doors on March 17th with a feeling of numbness. “I was worried. I didn’t know what to do at first. I’d never been home for more than a week at a time, and I felt helpless.” Pam also had to furlough her employees which was difficult.

By the second week of the shutdown, Pam says she was able to appreciate the stillness that came with the forced change of pace, and used the time to think through some strategies. “Working on my website was something I’ve known I needed to do for years. I was finally able to set up my ecommerce shop, and now everything can be ordered online and delivered often in the same day.” Pam delivers every order with the help of her shop dog Baxter and her husband. “It’s been good to be able to stay busy and help uplift others.”

Pam also used the down time to redo the floors in the store. “I thought we’d only be closed for a few weeks, so I better take advantage of being able to move all the furniture while I can!” As it turns out, Genevieve’s didn’t reopen until June 17, a whole three months later.

When Geneveieve’s doors reopened, their business hours changed from being open 5 days a week to just Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays. “I was very concerned about keeping our customers and staff safe. I created a plan, posted signs, provided hand sanitizer and masks, and we clean the counters after every customer. Thankfully I’ve been able to bring back one employee, with another planning to return in November.”

“I’m just so grateful. Everyone has been so positive and supportive. We love our customers! We love being downtown and a part of the Blue Springs community and Chamber of Commerce. And we appreciate our shoppers supporting local and supporting our fellow Blue Springs businesses.”

Genevieve’s will be hosting a Holiday Open House this November 6, 7 & 8. They’ve added a third day (Sunday) this year to allow for more shopping opportunities. “We will kick off the holiday season with in-store specials, individually-wrapped refreshments and a chance to win the raffle for a gift basket valued at over $100 filled with some of Genevieve's favorite items including many from our local artists. It would be the perfect holiday gift for that special someone on your list...or for yourself!”

Genevieve’s will also be offering specials on Saturday, November 28 for Small Business Saturday. This is traditionally one of their busiest days of the year and a great way to support your local community by shopping small.  Shop Genevieve’s online at genevieveshome.com

Thank you to the City of Blue Springs, The Examiner, Community Services League Blue Springs, and Downtown Alive for supporting our local small businesses. Together, we are #BlueSpringsStrong!

Photos by Jaime Russell, Anthem Photography