One Storefront, Many Services

WAITSBURG - Waits- burg's Mary Kay consultant and photographer Belinda Cook has moved into a store- front on Main Street with the hope of taking her business to the next level.

"It's one of my dreams to have my own business and get up and go to work," Cook said. "I'm adding the store- front for the professionalism."

Cook is planning to host a grand opening of her storefront on Friday, June 29 at 11 a.m., with hot dogs and face painting for customers. Cook will be opening one day after Karen Stanton-Gregutt's Bubbles and Chocolate: The Finer Things, and on the same day as Bitzi Baxter's second- hand store next to Betty's Diner called Bitzi's Nook and Cranny.

What customers find in- side Cook's shop may boggle their minds - Cook has lined up multiple businesses in the space that will serve all kinds of needs.

First, the shop is a portrait studio for Cook's photog- raphy business - Bee Still Photography. She can take ap- pointments for photo shoots, review proofs and meet with clients regularly in the space. Also, the photography busi- ness can order photo mugs, shirts and proofs for customers.

Those looking for Mary Kay products will find them in the space spanning three bookshelves. Cook said she plans to expand her inventory and have Mary Kay parties in the building. Also, she wants to execute "extreme make- overs" for local ladies and she'll tie in her photography business by offering before and after, or just after, glam- our shots. She said makeovers and photos would also make for a fun mother-daughter day and she could certainly accommodate those requests.

Also, she wants to uplift local women and will hold a better-your-attitude group that will be a mind, body and soul book club that will tie in tai chi and aromatherapies.

And to appeal to male customers, Mickey Richard's Northwest Antler Design business will show off antler chandeliers, coffee tables and other creative décor made by hand. Richards said he was happy Cook suggested he display his décor in her shop and he hopes to get more business with the Main Street exposure.

"It's another place in Waitsburg that I can display my products," Richards said.

Finally, Cook's storefront will be home to Liberty Tax Service with Sharon Dodgin all year long for local residents and farmers.

The reason Cook has want- ed so many businesses in one place?

"It takes a community to make a business successful," she said simply.

Cook said it will build up customer trust in her to have a storefront and solidify her business in the community. She can't wait to open up for customers to come in, browse the shelves or sit down and enjoy a cup of coffee.

"We're the one-stop shop to make friends and get infor- mation," Cook said. off to a strong start.

" We were packed, even before the pub crawl," Cramer said. "We had to close because we actually ran out of food. The experience was actually re- ally gratifying."

The schedule will be consistent. The restaurant is open seven days a week. From Sunday through Thursday, it will be open 11 a.m. through 10 p.m. Friday and Saturday it will be open from 11 a.m. through midnight. The res- taurant's six different menus, eclectic nature of the restaurant. It is made out of 250-year-old barn wood from the Tucannon River. The restaurant has more than 100 pieces of art decorating the space.

The restaurant will feature live music and different spe- cials every weekend.

This weekend the special will be a dish with duck. For more information about the Grain House Grill, visit their website or find them on facebook.