If you frequent the downtown Juneau area you may have noticed that the old Miner’s Postal is now a store called Kindred Post. Owner Christina Eriksen opened the shop to provide her fellow community members with a post office and gift shop while adding a unique gathering place to the heart of downtown Juneau.
“I knew I wanted to open my own shop, but I was continuously intimidated by the process – it was full of new language, new forms, new people” said Christina, “It was like learning to drive a semi truck after years of owning a Toyota Corolla. Like a good kind of backseat driver, Ian at AKSBDC helped me navigate my way through starting a new business. He didn’t takeover, just empowered me to use my existing knowledge and skills to forge a new path. I’m grateful for all his help.”
Christina a
nd Ian worked together on the business plan and financials in order to get Christina ready to apply for a business loan. Successful in obtaining funding to launch the business, they continued to work together on topics such as inventory, hiring and industry standards for the market Christina was entering into. Now that the Kindred Post is up and running, they continue to meet to make sure the first year goes smoothly and the financial projections accurately portray the actual financial situation from month to month.
Kindred Post opened it’s doors to the public in style last month with a grand opening event during the gallery walk complete with a photo booth and live band. You can visit the shop seven days a week at 145 S Franklin St in Juneau, Alaska. You can also follow them on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter to see the latest goods and stay updated.
*Photo courtesy of the Juneau Empire and photographer Michael Penn.
