This past January, Union Studio co-owners Mary Beth Bussen and Sarah Kelley closed the store’s flagship location in Tower Grove, marking an important step toward an expansion that includes a partnership with Union Loafers Café and Bread Bakery. The new storefront, located at 1532 Tower Grove, was expected to be ready last spring but construction delays derailed the timeline.
“There wasn’t anything we could do to push the project forward, so we just have to be patient,” says Kelley.
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Bussen and Kelley never intended for the city location to be closed for such an extended period of time. The business’ success is owed, in part, to the loyalty of its surrounding customer base as well as the 180 or so artists whose work is sold at the store. When it became apparent that the new location would require more time, the two women decided to open a temporary storefront at 1536 Tower Grove.
Until the permanent location next door is ready, the temporary space will carry Union Studio’s inventory of home goods, jewelry, fine art and more. Customers can also shop at the store’s Webster Groves location. We spoke with Bussen and Kelley to learn more about the project.
How did you decide to open the temporary storefront?
Bussen: We participated in a lot of pop ups over the summer with Songbird, at the Union Loafers commissary, and the Tower Grove farmers market, in an attempt to get back into the city. So many of our customers, especially from the beginning, have been loyal and supportive. As we watched the delays lengthen, it became more and more urgent to try and find another plan, realizing that the bread shop and the permanent location likely wouldn’t open until next year.
What does your relationship with the local community mean to you?
Kelley: Whenever we have a big decision to make, we ruminate, we discuss, and we talk about it with our staff. And each and every time, I feel like we end up landing with, “Let’s ask the customer. Let’s ask what they think.” Because the truth is, without our customers, we wouldn’t be here. We try to stay in touch with what our customers want and what our artists want.
What can guests expect at the temporary storefront?
Bussen: The beauty of a small business is the ability to be an active participant in the community. I think it’s going to look, size-wise, like a small version of the [permanent shop]. As we’ve been setting it up, there’s been something really fun about going back to the original roots of the shop, which is these smaller displays, a smaller space, and more intimate conversation. For the people that have been with us for almost 10 years, I hope that there’s a little nostalgia. For the people that haven’t been with us that long, I hope it’s an introduction to the incredible work being made in the city.
Once the permanent shop is finished, what will that look like?
Bussen: 1532 Tower Grove Avenue is one building. It has two exterior entrances but is connected in the interior. The corner storefront will be Union Studio, and the entrance off of Folsom Avenue will be Loafers Bread Shop. That will have just a bread counter—so not the sandwiches, the restaurant, or pizza component of [Union Loafers Café and Bakery].
As you approach your 10-year anniversary, what’s your advice for other small business owners?
Bussen: I think [it’s important] to be reflective about whether something is working for me, for my staff, for my customers, and the artists. Those kinds of questions are ultimately why we’ve been able to stick with it. It still feels true to us and our values are reflected in the work that we do.
Kelley: We try to remind people that everybody’s benchmarks for success are different. Sometimes comparison can feel hard when it seems like somebody’s doing better than you are or they’re more successful. But I think [it’s important] to be sure in yourself. “What am I looking for? Is it money? Is it paying to support my family? Is this a creative endeavor or a side-project?” Don’t let comparison or other people’s expectations dictate your decisions.
