Here and coming soon: Downtown getting back to business

Since the completion of the Main Street Plaza project last summer, there has been a renewed effort to revitalize and renovate historic downtown Monroe.

The Downtown Monroe Association has been working to improve aesthetics and implement ideas to help fill empty storefronts, while the city has agreed to waive permit fees in the downtown area until June 14. Additionally, the Monroe City Council passed an ordinance last summer to guide the use of the new, widened sidewalks, voting to adopt a policy that incorporates three basic levels of use, all of which are available at no cost to the user.-á

Whether it's about policy or timing, slowly but surely, new businesses are starting to trickle in. Mayor Geoffrey Thomas said he is excited to see new businesses coming to downtown.

"I thank these business owners for choosing to locate in Monroe's downtown, and I thank our partners for investments of time and resources, including our Downtown Monroe Association, chamber of commerce and city council,GÇ¥ Thomas said. "We still have work to do. I'm excited about these new businesses and I look forward to what's to come.GÇ¥-á

Here is a brief rundown of several new businesses in Monroe's downtown corridor that have either recently opened their doors or opening in the near future.-á

Junk in the ol' Trunk

On the corner of East Main and Lewis in the Doloff Key building, Junk in the ol' Trunk owners Chelsea Ham and Michelle Carlson-á showcase antiques, home d+¬cor, handmade products, art, jewelry made by local artisans, furniture and more. The two entrepreneurs ' each with their own product line ' decided to open their own shop after selling their items out of a Snohomish storefront called My Eclectic Home.

Ham is the founder of Vintage Pearl Naturals, an all-natural, organic makeup line that also features a cough and cold salve made from essential oils. Carlson's furniture restoration business is called The Restoration Shack, under which she makes an all-natural beard balm, initially created as a remedy for her husband's itchy beard. -á -á

Ham is from Monroe, while Carlson lives in Snohomish.

"I grew up here in Monroe,so starting a business here was a pretty natural thing,GÇ¥ Ham said. "We have both been in a shop in Snohomish on First Street, but after deciding to branch out on our own we really liked the community feel Monroe has.GÇ¥

The two are excited to support recent efforts to restore downtown Monroe to a bustling shopping haven, Ham said. They have been in the process of networking with many local crafters and are excited by the prospects. Among their vendors are Whackadoodles and Wanderlust founders Staci and Todd Scheffer, who create jewelry out of upcycled silverware. The couple's leather cuff bracelets and silver spoon necklaces feature trinkets, charms and custom sayings.

"We have another great vendor who hand-makes farmhouse furniture and several who collect vintage and antique items,GÇ¥ Ham said. "Almost every vendor we have is local.GÇ¥

Junk in the ol' Trunk held its grand opening on Friday, April 1, and be open from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Tuesday-Sunday. The Doloff Key building is at 102 E. Main St. For more information about Junk in the ol' Trunk, visit www.facebook.com/junkintrunk.

The Main Street Caf+¬

Open since December, Main Street Caf+¬ is in the former Hitching Post Caf+¬ location at 107 W. Main St. Owner Sandra Adkins offers homemade soups, sandwiches, breakfast items, pastries and desserts, and is open 6 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. seven days a week. Some of her specialty items include cinnamon rolls, biscuits and gravy and custom variations of eggs benedict.

Main Street Caf+¬'s menu can accommodate diners interested in lighter fare, with items like homemade soup, salads and the low-calorie platter, which includes fresh fruit, cottage cheese and either ground sirloin or chicken breast.

Adkins owns another successful caf+¬ in Bothell called the Cozy Corner Caf+¬, and so far in Monroe she's collecting a stack of positive reviews.

For more information on the Main Street Caf+¬ and to see daily specials, visit www.facebook.com/Main-Street-Cafe-Monroe-Wa-1029747553725240.

Salon Petite

Salon Petite is a small space filled with big dreams at 115-1/4 W. Main St. It is the aspiration of long-term hairdresser and Sultan resident Jennifer Ryan, who owns Salon Petite with her sister, Rebeckah. The 500-square-foot salon just held its grand opening on Saturday, March 19, and is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Tuesday-Saturday.

"We're just basically a haircut and coloring salon,GÇ¥ Jennifer said.

Jennifer is a 15-year hair artist who was looking to take the next step by starting her own business. Although she won't be taking new clients at Salon Petite, she has hired stylists that specialize in modern, high-fashion colors and cuts. From traditional to artistic and chic, Jennifer wants to accommodate all customers.-á

"Whatever lifestyle you have, we're going to go ahead and cater to that,GÇ¥ Jennifer said.

The coloring menu includes all-over-color, fashion colors, balayage, ombre and full and partial highlights.

"We just want to keep up with whatever's trending and we want to make sure that we're up to date on our education,GÇ¥ Jennifer said.

Salon Petite carries a product line, provides waxing services and will eventually offer hair extensions, Jennifer said, adding her goal is to provide a luxury service at an affordable price.-á -á

For more information on Salon Petite, visit www.facebook.com/salonpetitemonroe.

Something for Everyone

Something for Everyone is located inside the former Monroe Eagles building across the street from the Monroe post office at 123 N. Blakeley St. Owner Shayna Doolan is-ábusy putting the finishing touches on her-ámultifaceted, Mardis Gras-themed caf+¬ and wine bar and expects to be open in the next few weeks.-á

Over the past several months, Doolan has been working to transform the building into an eclectic, treasure trove that includes a gift shop, antiques, furniture, rare books and home d+¬cor. Last week, local muralist David Hose was hard at work inside the building tackling a jazz-themed piece that honors musical legend Louis Armstrong, along with members of Shayna's family.

The view from inside the building is visually dazzling, and everywhere you look there is something new to see, which was exactly what she-áset out to do, Shayna said.

She plans-áto offer free Wi-Fi for caf+¬ customers, and has-áestablished a menu that includes espresso, pastries, sandwiches and other snacks.-á

Something for Everyone will serve beer and wine and eventually offer an outdoor patio area. She is-árenovating a small theater inside the building to offer family-friendly movie nights, providing affordable activities for locals.

Mostly, she-ájust wants people to come and have a great time, Shayna said.

Something for Everyone will be open pending inspection by the Snohomish Health District.

AJ's Salon & Spa

AJ's Salon & Spa owner Jody Aamold knows hair and Monroe, having worked as a hairdresser in the city for 28 years. Formerly of Allure Hair Design on South Lewis Street, Aamold opened AJ's Salon & Spa last October in the historic Triangle Building on the corner of West Main and South Blakeley streets.-á

Aamold specializes in curly hair and coloring, while her staff, Audrey Leon, specializes in hair, artificial nails, waxing and eyelash extensions.

Aamold is well known for her skills at helping clients navigate curly hair, and has a stack of positive reviews to show for it. She has used the same type of hair color throughout her career, traveling frequently to teach hairstylists about new techniques and new color formulations.

AJ's is at 200 W. Main St. To make an appointment at AJ's, call 425-359-3293 or email jodyaamold@hotmail.com.