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Three women have joined forces to run separate businesses under the same roof, creating a unique hub offering a diverse range of services.
The collaboration, which took place inside 172 E Davis St. in Culpeper, not only demonstrates the power of unity, but also serves as a model for fostering mutual support among women in business.
Located in the heart of historic downtown Culpeper, this shared space is home to three distinct companies, each led by a passionate and driven female entrepreneur.
The trio of Mindel Hale, Heather Griffin, and Glenda Jones transformed what was once a traditional business environment into a vibrant, collaborative environment.
“The Davis Street location is invaluable, as is the common option of having a built-in ‘partner’ with Glenda and Heather,” said Hale, who operates Scoop in Davis. “They have been invaluable to me as advisors, collaborators and friends. This unique combination of his trifecta allows us to support each other and share responsibility for Davis’ growth on the streets. I made it.”
“We work together to succeed as individuals and to support the Culpeper community together.”
The location originally housed Poppy + Chalk, which Jones owned and operated before Jones integrated Scoop on Davis. In September, Hale became an ice cream shop owner.
Hale’s mother, who was an artist vendor within Poppy + Chalk prior to the collaboration, worked with Jones during the 2022 holiday season. While doing a Christmas pop-up at her ice cream shop, Jones invited her to continue doing pop-ups, which led to her current collaboration.
Hale is also the owner of The Jittery Mouse, a coffee pop-up shop that circulates events in the Culpeper County area.
“When Glenda and Mindel came to me with this idea, I jumped at the opportunity and I haven’t regretted it for a second,” Griffin said.
Heather Griffin inspects items at Hundred Acre Books.
“I’ve always had big ideas, but felt limited by working under other people’s expectations,” Hale said. “We decided that the pop-up coffee business was a business model with untapped potential and decided to give it a try. Through that process, we had a lot of ideas on how to grow the business, so we decided to offer Scoop on Davis. Now we’re the only ice cream shop in downtown serving Culpeper’s sweet and cold treats year-round.”
The decision to share a workspace wasn’t just about convenience. This was a strategic move to leverage each other’s strengths and foster a collaborative ecosystem.
“Being in a separate space ensures that Scoop has its own personality and identity, but I also collaborate every day by helping run two other businesses,” Hale said. said. “Because we share a space, we also share a customer base. Whether someone comes in for a book, paints, or ice cream, I greet each person as if they were my own customer, We support you.”
“Our three businesses offer very different things and attract a wide range of customers,” said Griffin, owner of Hundred Acre Books. “It’s not creating competition; in fact, it’s broadened our overall customer base. People who come looking for books realize they can get an ice cream cone while they read; You may find that this is the perfect place to get materials for your next home improvement project, or vice versa.”
Heather Griffin researches books at Hundred Acre Books.
“I have had a lifelong love of books, and when I reached a point in my life where it was possible, I jumped at the chance to fill a need in my local small town to bring the written word to the community,” said Griffin. Told. .
Griffin previously operated a bookstore in another location in downtown Culpeper with business partner Cindy Pagan under the name Spelled, Inc. The two ran a bookstore under the same name in Orange and later opened a second location.
“When a business has multiple locations, customers expect all stores to have a similar style and feel,” Griffin explained. “Because we are owner-operated and don’t have a team of employees, branding has become a little more difficult. By separating our businesses into different businesses, we have been able to strengthen our store branding and improve the customer experience. I did.”
“This separation gives Hundred Acre Books the opportunity to tailor to Culpeper and its specific needs, and allows Spelled Ink to do the same with Orange,” she continued. “This allows both businesses to grow and succeed separately, while also collaborating on exciting book-like events.”
In an era where collaboration is increasingly recognized as the key to success, these three women are not only breaking stereotypes, but creating a blueprint for future entrepreneurs.
Behind the ice cream counter at Scoop on Davis.
“My customer base has tripled. Paint and book customers may not have been looking to buy ice cream, but they’re happy to know I’m behind them, and that’s what makes them… “Encouraging them to splurge and vice versa, ice cream customers are walking around the store finding treasures while they enjoy their desserts,” Hale said.
“Competition, when viewed correctly, can only improve each business, and I embrace it as a way to work together and lift everyone up.”
“Our three businesses are creating something new in Culpeper, offering a unique shopping experience while also having many plans for the future, including workshops, classes and events,” Griffin said. “This is a place where you can come and get some ice cream and a book, pick up a can of Annie Sloan paints, and relax for a while with a community puzzle.”
“All of our success depends on each other’s success,” Hale said. “We are in a very beneficial and unique situation that has allowed me to personally expand my knowledge of furniture painting and literature.”
maria@culpepertimes.com
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