Kaleidoscope, which features items from several vendors, is more than just a run of the mill antiques store. Inside there’s a treasure trove of antiques, vintage items and primitives, but also a kick of modern.
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“We have something for everyone, ” said Smith, a Springfield native and current Urbana resident.
Smith took ownership of Kaleidoscope less than two months ago but she’s already working hard to make it fit her dream. With the help of her boyfriend, Rodney Wolfe, whom she credits for his support and inspiration, she has been able to make her vision come true.
One of the largest changes the store has seen is the redoing of the back stairs so customers can more easily reach the top floor. And now that the stairs are done, Smith is excited about expanding the upstairs selection and further developing her primitives selection.
Smith’s start in business began when she and her daughters — Heather, Heidi and Hannah — began making candles under the name 3H’s, which she named after her three daughters. The funds from the candle business were used to pay for fun trips and sports costs.
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And from the candle-making, her interest in business grew and she said if her children hadn’t started her off on that path, she might not have ended up where she is now
Her three daughters and her son are grown and on their own now, so when she heard that Kaleidoscope was for sale, she had no doubts about buying the store.
“I knew it was what I wanted to do and what I needed to do,” she said.
Smith is excited to be located in such a beautiful downtown alongside other antique stores, boutiques and restaurants and is also looking forward to people coming and exploring the store.
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