Today we’d like to introduce you to Kim.
Hi Kim, please kick things off for us with an introduction to yourself and your story.
Recently moved to Celina from Texas and was a new mom. After several years of staying home with my children, I was ready to start something small to challenge myself a bit. I was driving by 108 South Main and the building was up for auction, I stopped in and the next thing I knew is that I was a proud new owner of real estate in downtown Celina. Not having a plan or an idea, I began to come up with a game plan and a dream! The Potter On Main Street was established, a charming locally owned and operated gift shop.
My first venture was a gift shop and a paint your own pottery studio, From there another property was purchased and several more additions to The Potter House On Main. Java Nation, Celina’s first eclectic coffee shop was born. It was a great addition to a depressed downtown area. It was a great small town gathering spot for women and children. Offering a place to shop for unique gifts, grab a small bite or coffee, all while entertaining your children while they painted a wide variety of pottery pieces. Art Camps ,adult art classes, and more was also offered.
This was all great but no men seemed to be attending the charming place. We had to figure out how t get the men inside . Hence, Brew Nation was developed. My family is Italian so we thought it would be perfect to add a bit of Italian influence- a wood fired pizza oven, What better pairs with pizza than some locally brewed beer. That is when we created Lake Rat Brewing- Celina’s first and only brewery. Home of the Brew Juice, Mercer County Lager and many more delicious beers. To this date we are a destination and an anchor to the downtown Celina district. The most popular Christmas destination for miles! We still are the proud owners of The Potter Hous On Main, Brew Nation and Lake Rat Brewing. featuring live music, beautiful Patio seating and paint your own pottery studio. We do catering and have an amazing event space also.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
It has not always been easy, Covid was a major road block. Growth was always a necessity to get where are today and be profitable.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
I am the head of the downtown merchant group. I create events along with other business owners, and ideas that draw people down to the district to shop, eat and get entertained downtown.
our art classes wine tastings and special event are my favorite. I feel like I’m creative and good at Marketing. I have a Marketing degree so that has had a major influence.
Our Christmas time shop and decorated bar and restaurant are extremely popular!
Alright so before we go can you talk to us a bit about how people can work with you, collaborate with you or support you?
I am constantly reaching out to other non profit business and for profit business to collaborate. Local library for Trivia, Our Home for meat Raffles, Local business for Wining About Winter, Fall Into Fun Fall Fest, Chocolate Walk, Tiki Time, Midnight Gladness and many more monthly events.
Contact Info:
- Website: Brewnations
- Instagram: Brewnation.celina
- Facebook: Brewnation-celina
