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Digs

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Digs

Minneapolis, Minnesota

 
 

Tell us a little bit about who you are and what you do:

Katie: Digs

Katie: Digs

We are a small independent fabric, yarn, craft and gift shop. We specialize in a wide variety of fabrics, yarns and craft supplies as well as a wide selection of handmade and vintage gifts & cards, jewelry, baby and home decor.

Let us know more about your business name - how did you come up with it?

I purchased the shop, as is, from the previous owner in Nov 2014. The shop had been previously located in Northfield, MN where a large focus was on upholstery and home decor. I guess I never asked the origin of the store name AWK! but my assumption is it played off of the slang term for 'home' and it's surroundings.

What is your signature style / item? How did it become so?

It's hard to pinpoint one signature item as we have so many popular items from makers both locally and across the country. People love our fun cotton fabrics and Brown Sheep wool yarn that you can't find in the bigger box stores. Our Frostbeard Studio and JKM Soy candles, Muddy Mouth sassy greeting cards, Sweetpea & Co onesies and Larissa Loden jewelery are definitely destination items.

What makes your business unique to the industry?

The curation and display of both our handmade and vintage products is a playground for those who enjoy wondering around and taking in all of the creativity. The fabric, yarn and craft supplies tie the experience  all together with the idea of 'make it or buy it'!

What's been your biggest roadblock when it comes to business and how have you been able to overcome?

Definitely to date dealing with COVID-19 followed by the riots in MPLS and having to board up the shop has been the largest roadblock. Prior to 2020, being a single business owner and having to wear all the hats of running and managing a business on a day to day basis is difficult. There is never enough time for everything I have to get done, everything I want to do and every idea I want to pursue.

How has your business had to adapt amidst the Covid-19 Pandemic? What are you doing to navigate the situation?

Digs was fortunate enough to be considered an essential business with our fabric and notions for the production of masks. We currently don't have an online shop although it was a goal for 2021. Without having the fabric and notions up online already when the shutdown happened, we had to come up with a temporary solution so people could browse our fabrics without coming into the store. Once that was created business ran pretty smoothly, all things considered, with electronic payments and curbside pick-up. We will continue with curbside pickup as an additional way of doing business moving forward. We have reduced our hours and implemented many safety precautions in the shop like wearing masks, hand sanitizing before entering and limited capacity with social distancing.

What is your favorite part of what you do?

Working with all the makers and being inspired by all the creativity they bring. I also love seeing people's excitement when they visit the shop for the first time and are amazed by how much we have and how happy it makes them to spend time browsing and just taking it all in.

What is your *must do* local activity?

Walking the lakes is one of my favorite activities which has been crucial during this time of social distancing and limited social activity options. I also love live music which is in abundance in the Twin Cities. Outdoor shows at Surly have been the highlight of many past summers.

Where to find Digs:

Jackalope Arts

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