Many of us grew up in small towns where main street was the heart of the community and the niche of small businesses thrived. Until the 1980s, big box stores did not exist. Everyone shopped in small boutiques, neighborhood grocery stores, and locally owned diners. They bought gasoline from a station on the corner; a service station where an attendant pumped the customer’s gas and cleaned their windshield. Over time, people began to recognize the convenience of shopping online and in the mall.
In recent years we have begun to see a shift in trends. Malls are closing, boutiques are returning, and people want to use shopping as a fun experience again; an experience in their community. Small boutiques, locally owned businesses, and quaint cafes are returning to the main street all over 573 Land. And how are these entrepreneurial spirits in this grassroots movement happening? Large franchise backing? Established organizations? Town councils? Mostly they are individuals who breathe life back into small towns with their own fortunes, blood, sweat, and tears. The common threads between all of them and business owners like them are “this is home” and “the time was right”. Today we are going to meet a few people working on Main Street Potosi, a great example of a farming and mining community with heart.
Potosi makes it's move to revitalization thanks to effort of a few business owners.
Melissa Cordia knows Potosi—really. She is a writer and teacher of the English language.
Kim Smith and Miss Kim & Company in Potosi.
Miss Kim & Company is a fabulous boutique located prominently in the middle of Potosi. This shop appeals to all ages and with the help of her two daughters, this shop provides uncommon pieces that offer a unique and sophisticated shopping experience. Kim Smith, owner, said, “Opening the shop is the hardest, but most rewarding thing I have ever done.” With the support of her husband and a legacy of her parents and brother being shop owners, this grassroots journey was meant to be for Kim.
Smart, sharp fashion at Miss Kim & Company.
Beauty products at Miss Kim & Company main street Potosi.
Artist Pamela Sue Perry is a 573 Chalk Festival featured artist April 26, 2025.
Pamela Sue Perry is the owner of the Silverbird Studio in Potosi. Following her passion, she too has embarked on a grassroots journey. Silverbird Studio features local artisans' work for viewing and purchase. In addition to “atelier” space, she teaches painting, pottery, and other art classes. Pam commented, “It takes just the right time and place for such a venture like my studio to succeed. This is my home and I am blessed to have a space where people can see and make beautiful things.”
Pamela Sue is a talented artist using many mediums to tell her story.
Silverbird Studio offers slab clay pottery classes and other training classes.
Hillary Hermann and Andrew Eye.
AM Edition is a coffee shop and bookstore that is also located in Potosi. The proprietors Hillary Hermann and Andrew Eye opened in November 2020. Their vision was to provide people a welcoming space to enjoy a good coffee and talk books. They are located just off Main Street in Potosi and their curated inventory of books to purchase brings another element of community to their grassroots vision. Hillary said, “The books were always part of the plan even though we started with the coffee. Our vision was a space like the Central Perk Cafe from the hit TV show Friends.”
...provide people a welcoming space enjoy a good coffee and talk books.
New shops opening on main street.
Potosi was established in 1797.
Revitalizing a small-town Main Street requires more than government grants or big business investments-it thrives on the dedication and individual efforts of community itself. People who have an idea and a motivation to make their town a wonderful place to stay, visit or move to. They are actions, like restoring an old building, planting flowers, or promoting town events on social media. It's active individuals taking pride in their town and moving it from somewhere you drive past to a vibrant hub of culture and community.
words -Dr. Melissa Cordia
Dr. Melissa Cordia on main street.
Get Out There! Paint something. Join something. Take that class. Rehab something. Create something. Do anything. What one person can do, another can do. That sunken sofa will be fine without you. Crawl out and live your dream—time's a wastin' and running out!
words - Dr. Melissa Cordia
pics -Supreme Leader Smugala
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