Meet Gretchen Woods | Founder of The Kitchen Loft, Artist & Nature Lover

We had the good fortune of connecting with Gretchen Woods and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Gretchen, we’d love to hear about how you approach risk and risk-taking.
That’s a good question! I look at risk as a necessary part of growth, just like change is necessary. I have taken many risks in my career, both for professional advancement and for personal quality of life. In my mind, understanding the scope of the risk, and the potential benefits, are important before committing to anything that would be difficult to step back from.

I consider myself to be a very optimistic person, but when considering a risk, I really put myself into critical thinking mode and do some serious research. I look at how the risk will impact those people close to me, in order to minimize any negative impact and maximize the benefits for those I love and care about. It’s also important to look honestly at my own strengths and weaknesses in order to leverage both of those in conjunction with the strengths of people in supporting roles, whether that’s a partner, an employee, a consultant, a banker, and so on. Considering what I love to do versus what I am capable of doing, because those can be very different things. I also look ahead with a more critical “problem-finding” mindset so that some potential issues can be avoided before they develop.

I not only look at myself, but I look at those people and companies who have done things similar to what I’d like to accomplish and deep dive into what made them successful or what I could bring to the table that would make it better or more personal to my point of view. In the case of The Kitchen Loft, the analysis included so many things: location, traffic flow, my personal style versus what was already out there, who my customer is, estimates of volume and categories of inventory, profit margins, my own knowledge of the market and what I still needed to learn, what I saw the bigger guys doing right (and wrong) as well as how I wanted my store to FEEL for myself, my team and my customers. I am still learning every single day and tweaking the vision as it grows!

I am a firm believer that well-thought-out risks are essential to making meaningful life changes and not just being a passenger in your own life!

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
The Kitchen Loft is a small (but mighty!) kitchen boutique in Kerrytown Market & Shops. We’re located in vibrant downtown Ann Arbor, adjacent to the Ann Arbor Farmer’s Market lot. We are on the 2nd floor of the market building and just a thousand square feet, but we are fully stocked in all manner of kitchen supplies, gadgets, pans, knives, baking gear, textiles and great kitchen gifts! Our space is a bit of a labyrinth; we make every effort to have what you are looking for, and plenty you didn’t know you needed. We are excited to offer items in many price ranges so that it’s possible for everyone from students to seasoned chefs to shop with us and find something delightful. We have a soft focus on sustainability and offer many items that are made from recycled or natural materials. And we have so many great textiles! Hand blocked tablecloths, napkins, runners, and great tea towels like Geometry and Betsy Olmsted.

Personally, I have had a full career prior to opening my shop which includes all manner of retail, from top to bottom, inside and out. Beginning in sales as a teen, to every level of management, customer service, marketing, merchandising, operations, planning, HR, purchasing and buying… all the necessary things. In addition to retail, I have a background in art and design where I have created fine art, painted murals both residential and commercial, as well as interior design and color consultations. And I love to cook! All of these elements combine to make opening The Kitchen Loft literally my ideal business. I can’t say that it was an easy path, but when the time came, I had the right tools to make a successful launch!

I have had the creative and business freedom to begin something that excites and warms me, my team, and my customers, along with having the freedom and control to change things midstream if they aren’t working, without all the red tape that one encounters in the corporate retail world. I strive to keep work-life balance for myself and my team, because it matters! In larger corporate retail environments, the individual can become lost in the bigger picture, whether that’s the employee or the customer. I work to keep the individuals in focus while still concentrating on the goals and needs of the business. I also believe in being generous and looking for and expecting the best from people, and I have to say, I have an awesome team, and the best customer base I have ever had the pleasure of serving.

If you had a friend visiting you, what are some of the local spots you’d want to take them around to?
I might be (am) biased, but a trip to Ann Arbor without visiting Kerrytown just wouldn’t be the same! The Farmer’s Market is going on Wednesdays May through December, and Saturdays year-round. There are so many local plants and veggies, beautiful flowers, fresh baked goods, locally raised meats, coffee, cheeses, local honey… you just never know what you’ll find. The Artisan Market is in the same lot on Sundays and is a great place to shop for art or find inspiration from the talented people creating it.

The Kerrytown Market building itself houses the best seafood market around, Monahan’s, and the Sparrow Market with an amazing meat counter is the place to go for fresh meats, house made sausages, and so much more! I feel so very blessed to be a part of this vibrant community where I can pick up fresh groceries on my way out the door, or some of the terrific premade items when I don’t have the energy to cook. Miss Kim’s Korean restaurant, Pizza Pazza brick oven, and Zingerman’s are all worth the time, as is Detroit Filling Station for vegan fare… and with a week of activities, you could definitely hit them all.

The small businesses on the 2nd floor make a perfect laid back shopping experience, and getting your hair done at Douglas J Salon (I recommend Becky) and a massage with Laura upstairs on the 3rd floor at Ash & Elm is a perfect indulgence. Though if you take advantage of The Pilates Barn for a tower or reformer class, the massage will be even more welcome!

For entertainment, a night at The Blue Llama is a treat, featuring talented live jazz and incredible eats. It’s not a budget stop, but it’s a great date night. The Last Word is a speakeasy that is worth checking out for great craft cocktails in cool environment. There really are countless choices for eats and drinks in A2, so going exploring is a must. Ann Arbor Comedy Showcase or The State Theater can also provide entertainment in the evenings.

If you are looking for more of an outdoor experience, there are endless parks in the Ann Arbor area, trails along the Huron River, and lots of Metro Parks. Northwest of AA is the Pinckney Rec area which offers hiking trails, lake paddling and plenty of nature. I live up in this area where it’s all beautiful woods and country and have an absolutely gorgeous drive into Ann Arbor for work, where there’s incredible food, culture and art. Best of both worlds. Couldn’t be more blessed!

Shoutout is all about shouting out others who you feel deserve additional recognition and exposure. Who would you like to shoutout?
I have had so much support from different people throughout my journey, but truly, my husband John has been instrumental in the success of my current project. John has a great can-do attitude and jumps right in when something needs to be accomplished. While he isn’t involved in the day to day of the shop, he made all the difference in helping me get up and running! He was my superman when getting the space ready… painting walls and assembling fixtures, helping receive and stock initial inventory, being there for me, whatever I needed, whether it was a pep talk, a different point of view, or another cup of coffee! His support financially to be able to say “we got this baby, do your thing” was essential to easing some of the stress of starting a business. Within the space of a year (during the pandemic, no less) we bought a home, got married and started a business! He’s so proud of me and what we’ve accomplished together, and that is a great feeling to come home to.

Part of the success we are enjoying comes from proper planning and the right support system, both strategically and financially. Ron from the Washtenaw SBDC was an essential early partner who provided guidance in the form of moral support and business analysis as well as interactive business planning spreadsheets that ensured I looked at the numbers from every angle and gave me a deep understanding of all the moving parts. Ron also connected me with various professionals that support my business to this day, such as Huntington Bank, which does a great job administering SBA loans to support small business. And for those interested in starting their own business. the SBA and SBDC are an incredible FREE resource for the public.

My team is deserving of a shout out! Karin was the first person I brought on board, and she has been with me since we were outfitting the space, and well before the doors opened. I can still see her in my mind, nestled among huge, full rolling racks of kitchen gear, patiently applying price tags and checking things in. Her willingness to solve all the puzzles of merchandising, learn new things and then teach those things to others is priceless. I promoted her to training manager this year, and she’s an invaluable team member and important part of our growing success! I can honestly say I don’t know what I would do without her.

Paul has also been with me from the beginning and has been so very reliable and a true part of The Kitchen Loft. His sense of humor and ease of interacting with people helps to create the warm environment we have today. We also have a crew of part time team members (Madeleine, Molly & Theo!) who brighten the days and provide wonderful customer service. Every single soul makes a difference!

Website: https://www.aakitchenloft.com

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kitchenloft.aa/#

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/AAKitchenLoft