Success StoryA New Downtown Arts Business Off to a Successful Start



A New Downtown Arts Business Off to a Successful Start

Author: Sky Marietta

Planning Unit: Community & Economic Development (CEDIK)

Major Program: Arts Engagement

Outcome: Intermediate Outcome

April Collins is a native of Harlan County, Kentucky, with a knack for turning discarded objects into art and useable household pieces. April turned this skill into a growing business, Sassy Trash, that she grew at the local flea market in Loyall, Kentucky. But April had a goal to bring her business to downtown Harlan, where she found a building on Main Street to turn into her dream retail location.

As part of her work growing and expanding arts businesses, Arts Associate Sky Marietta worked with April to launch her business. Sky helped April plan a ribbon cutting in conjunction with the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce. She wrote press releases, created graphics for April to post, and created a video to promote the Grand Opening through social media. The video alone had over 4,400 views on the Facebook page that Sky curates to promote regional arts events and businesses.

The end result was a successful launch for Sassy Trash. More than 50 people gathered with April and the Harlan County Chamber of Commerce for the ribbon cutting. Sassy Trash is growing and thriving on its new Main Street location. Sky has helped April connect with even more local artists and crafters, and currently she displays around 10 local artists at all times in her store.