Owners Share Honest Reflections on Challenges and Community Support
By Tracy Sanders, Staff Writer | tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
Two Main Street storefronts in Woodruff are closing their doors, each telling a story that resonates deeply with the realities of running a small business in a growing town.
Main Street Sweets: A Bittersweet Farewell
Kristi, owner of Main Street Sweets, made the difficult decision to close despite the business paying for itself. “My heart’s just not in it anymore,” she shared. “I’m tired. I don’t even look forward to it.”Festivals brought in strong sales and community enthusiasm, but the day-to-day grind of keeping the store open with inconsistent foot traffic wore her down. “I could work a whole week and barely see anyone. It felt like I was paying rent to sit alone,” Kristi said.
Though grateful for her loyal customers and the joy of seeing local children grow up visiting the shop, Kristi pointed to broader issues. “People say they want Main Street to thrive, but don’t come in. You can’t keep the lights on with well wishes alone.”Kristi plans to spend the summer traveling with her son for baseball and may explore substitute teaching or return to her work as a paralegal in the fall.
Crafty Savvys: A Shift, Not an End
Savannah, owner of Crafty Savvys, isn’t leaving town—she’s just evolving. After nearly two years on Main Street, her art-focused shop and vendor collective will close its doors, and she’ll move art classes and pottery painting to Humble Grounds, another local business.“I broke even for a while, but to be sustainable, the shop would’ve needed to quadruple in sales,” Savannah said. “That wasn’t realistic in the next five years.”Her decision was also driven by concern for her vendors. “Last month, 10 vendors didn’t make their rent. It wasn’t their fault or mine, but I couldn’t keep feeling like I was letting people down,” she explained.
Despite the challenges, Savannah remains hopeful and excited about what’s next. “I’ve learned so much. The community that formed around this space means the world to me. I’m still here—I’m just shifting.”She plans to continue operating as Crafty Savvys through pop-up events, traveling art classes, and collaborations with local venues.
A Common Thread
Both owners expressed a deep appreciation for Woodruff and its residents, while also candidly discussing the lack of consistent foot traffic and the emotional toll of trying to “make it work.”They also shared a vision for the town’s future—one where events are more centered around Main Street, parking is improved, and city leadership considers the small business experience when planning festivals and flow.“Woodruff has the charm and potential,” Kristi noted. “But it takes more than charm. It takes action—from all of us.”
Author: Tracy Sanders
