A year in review: Business

Editor’s note: This is the first in a five-part year in review.

From marketing and real estate to crystals and books, Union County welcomed a number of new businesses into the community this year.

Three Little Birds Marketplace

Jill Hoakison opened started selling bouquets online a few years ago through a Facebook page she coined “Three Little Birds Marketplace.” Since then, she has launched a website, and in March, a storefront, to sell a variety of boutique items in uptown Creston.

Located at 114 N. Maple St., Three Little Birds Marketplace offers everything from home decor to party supplies, as well as classes and workshops for things like charcuterie building, wreath making and more. The boutique is open one long weekend per month, with hours posted on their Facebook page.

Ray’s Taxi Cab

On April 17, Ronnie Ray took up the family trade and launched Ray’s Taxi Cab in Creston. Ray explained that his parents ran a taxi cab in Creston when he was young.

Focusing on nights as to not compete with the Southern Iowa Trolley, Ray’s goal is to get people home safely after a night out.

Ray offers rides from 5 p.m. to midnight Monday through Thursday and 5 p.m. to 3 a.m. on Fridays and Saturdays. Those in need of a ride can contact Ray’s Taxi Cab at (641) 344-4224.

Chris Lane Agency - Insurance & Real Estate

With a ribbon cutting in late April, Chris Lane Agency joined Creston’s real estate and insurance scene. Located at 609 W. Adams St., the agency hosts a team of four: Chris Lane, Marie Chapman, Brea Steinkamp and Nancy Loudon.

Whether buying a home or tackling insurance, Chris Lane Agency says that “guiding and building relationships with our clients is at the heart of everything we do.”

Homegrown Creative

On June 2, Reagan (Brown) White launched Homegrown Creative, an online collaborative marketing company. White works with area businesses on their social media management and website design, among other online marketing needs.

Along with her official services, White occasionally offers free workshops for local business owners through The Roundhouse. Her main goal is helping keep small businesses local.

Reno and Woody’s

With a soft-launch on June 4, Desiree and Cody Callison brought Afton-based food truck Reno and Woody’s to Union County. They serve a variety of American fare, from smashburgers and cubans to cheese curds.

Both of the Callisons worked in food in the past, and opening their own restaurant has been a long-time dream. Weekly schedules and updates are available on their Facebook page.

WoodVisions

Raymond Kegerize opened Woodvisions in early June as a place for people to get custom wood pieces, as well as somewhere to get their antiques fixed and refinished.

Located at 408 W. Montgomery St., Kegerize offers other used goods along with his wood pieces. WoodVisions is closed on Thursdays and Sundays.

Crystallized Visions

While working as an online and event vendor since 2021, Kaitlyn Cleopfil opened her brick-and-mortar on June 6.

Located at 220 W. Montgomery St., Crystallized visions offers crystals in a variety of shapes and sizes, as well as tarot card readings.

Creston Liquor

In late June, Tajiden Kumar opened Creston Liquor at 804 Laurel St. Kumar also owns University Liquors in West Des Moines.

As a specialized liquor store, Kumar aims to change the stock based on customer interests.

Greater Connections Childcare Center

A long time coming, Creston’s newest childcare facility, located at 1405 N. Lincoln St., opened in August. Founded via a partnership between I Think I Can Care Center and Greater Regional Health, Greater Connections was opened with the goal of providing more options for working families.

Headed by Director Melissa Zellmer, Greater Connections is licensed to hold 175 children. The facility is open from 5:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Friday.

Scooters

August brought a new coffee shop to Creston in the form of Nebraska-based Scooter’s Coffee. Located at 806 S. Sumner Ave., Scooter’s has over 700 locations throughout the U.S.

Manager Kylee LaMasters says that Scooter’s might be a nationwide franchise, but it has a hometown feel. Drive-thru only, Scooter’s is open 5 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekdays, 6 a.m. to 8 p.m. on weekends.

Latest Edition Bookstore

Taking over Greens N’ Things old location of 210 N. Maple Street is the new Latest Edition Bookstore. Opened in September by Elizabeth Firoetto, The Latest Edition aims to fill the gap for new releases in town.

With the hope of being utilized as a “third place,” Firoetto has turned the bookstore into a homey space, with fireplaces, puzzles and children’s toys. The Latest Edition is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, as well as 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. the first and third Saturday of each month.

Afton Flats

In September, a ribbon cutting was held for Todd and Michelle Crill’s Afton Flats. The business offers modern one- and two-bedroom apartments for rent throughout Afton. Rental applications can be found at aftonflats.com.

Anson’s Bar and Grill

In October, Joe Anson took over for Jake and Britni Kawa, and A&G became Anson’s Bar and Grill. Located at 211 W. Adams Street, Anson kept some of the old fare but did away with metal trays, also adding a salad bar.

Radiant Wellness Solutions

After jumping around for classes, Radiant Wellness Solutions finally has a home again at 121 N. Maple St. Owner Michelle Wilson previously had a studio on Montgomery Street form 2018 to 2022.

Working as a yoga studio and healing space, Radiant Wellness Solutions offers a variety of courses, from different types of yoga to meditation, taught by a number of locals.

Crystals and Wood

Located at 218 N. Pine St. is the second of Laura Beerbower’s Crystals and Wood stores, the original residing in Mount Ayr.

Opened in November, Crystals and Wood offers “crystals and witchy feels,” with items including incense, candles, home decor and more.