Today we’d like to introduce you to Laurel Bansek.
Hi Laurel, can you start by introducing yourself? We’d love to learn more about how you got to where you are today?
It all started with a Brownie Hawkeye camera for Christmas in 1949. That camera went everywhere with me. I like non-animate objects…people pose too much! As years went on and camera improved, I took some casual lessons at the Lorain Arts Center. I began more exact in my focusing and considered new objects. In 2014 I opted to do a pop-up shop on Broadway in Lorain and had some of my scenic photos professionally framed and tried to sell them. It was a total flop. But a couple local business owners suggested I use my photography skills on the lighthouse and open a shop selling souvenirs. So I spent 2015 looking for a small Broadway location, reasonably priced not taking too much work and rented 408 Broadway. Selling souvenirs wouldn’t pay the rent, so both fun socks and ladies scarves were a big seller then, so I found a few wholesale companies and added those to my shop. I spent 4 years at that location and with the opening of the Ariel Hotel, opted to moved my location off of Broadway and into the hotel lobby. It was a wise decision. Since moving in and opening February 1, 2020, I have added women’s clothing and clothing with Lorain or photos of Lorain. It has been a success. However, the recently added tariffs have thrown a road block as far as the ladies clothing, so I am adding gift items for the holiday season. I also have a men’s corner with shirts and other items specifically for men.
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?
Nothing is ever a smooth road. The hardest thing is getting the people of Lorain to come into the shop to see what you have. I get great business from the hotel guests. I have no regrets as to starting the business and I have fun with it every day I am open.
Can you tell our readers more about what you do and what you think sets you apart from others?
In my real life I was always an administrative assistant to
Vice-president of purchasing at ALCOA in Pittsburgh
Customer service reps at Nelson Stud Welding in Lorain
Harbourtown Security in Vermilion
State Senator Ron Nabakowski in Lorain office
Related Comfort Service (HVAC) in Lorain
Larson Foundry in Grafton
Penton in Amherst
Lorain County Board of Elections, Lorain office
Judge Mark Betleski, Lorain County Common Pleas Court
Can you tell us more about what you were like growing up?
An introvert
Only child
Loved school
Taught to sew at a young age by my paternal grandmother
Cheerleader
Basketball
Loved professional baseball
Contact Info:
- Website: https://lolipopsboutique.com
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/lolipops408/
