Issue link: http://www.insightdigital.biz/i/96377
A closer look Finding Nest Nest, 823 N. Eighth St., Sheyboygan www.nesthomestore.com lot of research behind the scenes," says Butler Channel, who sources items from more than 100 Midwest artists and also features fair trade toys and other offerings from global artisans. "Not every customer cares where (an item) came from, but I do. "It costs more to have things made in a conscientious manner. These are investment pieces, quality pieces," says Butler Channel. After an expansion a few years ago, Nest moved to a 2,000-square-foot venue on Eighth Street and now houses about $180,000 in inventory, including wooden beds handcrafted by her carpenter husband. Butler Channel says the recession impacted the business, but, interestingly, when the recession hit, her interior design division – now about 40 percent of her business – really took off. The mantra of "location, location, location" isn't lost on Butler Channel, who remembers it well from her days of hawking lemonade and candy. And while Sheboygan isn't a large city – around 50,000 – Butler Channel notes, "the local people really carry you through." Summers and holidays are especially busy, with tourists visiting the lakefront, John Michael Kohler Arts Center, the Weill Center and Blue Harbor Resort. Having a location downtown also helps energize the city itself, according to Betsy Alles, executive director of the Sheboygan County Chamber of Commerce. "Shops like Nest set the bar and appeal to the tourists and residents Eclectic-ing = eclectic collecting who love the dining and shopping experience of this small urban environment…it's one of those very special places that magnetizes the downtown, creates a loyal following and adds to the total experience in a very high quality way," she said in an email message. "Shops like Nest, so lovingly and expertly designed, are a huge service to residents and visitors alike." After moving to the region more than 15 years ago, Butler Channel now feels like she has found her little "nest," and she credits it to following a dream, but having the foresight to plan ahead. "It's logic-based. You cannot risk your life savings and your family's welfare if you don't have a good idea," she says. Business Expo 2013 Thursday, January 31 Oshkosh Convention Center 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. "For me, this changed my life forever." Thursday, January 31 Oshkosh Convention Center 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Featuring a "Wisconsin Sports" theme Sports" theme Featuring a "Wisconsin www.cffoxvalley.org/stories Booth space still available Contact Megan Kok: 920.303.2265, ext. 16, megan@oshkoshchamber.com Everyone has a story. What's yours? We can help you turn it into a lasting legacy of giving. w w w. i n s i g h t o n b u s i n e s s . c o m 920-830-1290 • info@cffoxvalley.org Business Expo Media Sponsor D e c e m b e r 2 012 • Insight | 41