Farming hobby takes root in Parkville

Heather Abbott has taken her backyard farming hobby and turned it into a business that will supply others with similar interests.

Dew Yah’s, at 109 Main St, Parkville, is an urban homestead supply store. Inventory includes chicken and beekeeping supplies, equipment for growing microgreens, canning and fermenting supplies, cultures for sourdough starters, cheese making kits, canning and preserving equipment, ergonomic garden tools, insect guides, aqua farms, hummingbird feeders, locally made soaps and soy candles, and more.

“It is just something I’m interested in and rather than doing it as a hobby I wanted to do it full-time,” she said.

The shop also will hold special events, like a soap making class on Nov. 1 for $30.

Swimwear store opening on the Plaza

Minnesota’s Nani Nalu Beachwear Boutique is coming to the Country Club Plaza.

The designer swimwear store is scheduled to open in a 1,977-square-foot space at 421 W. 47th St. by early December.

Owner Jennifer Cermak starting working in retail as a 15-year-old, selling apparel and swimsuits. She later focused on swimsuit design when she took fashion courses. Then, in 2002, Cermak was shopping for swimsuits for her honeymoon and discovered she would have to buy two swimsuits to have a top and bottom that would fit her body type.

She decided consumers needed a more positive environment when shopping for swimsuits. So after four years of planning and saving, she opened Nani Nalu in Minneapolis in 2006. It would supportive environment, along with the “best fitting and most flattering” swimsuit styles. The shop has since doubled in size.

Now Cermak has selected the Plaza for her “first second location.” The store will carry more than 25 brands ranging from $100 to $350 per swimsuit. Styles will include bikinis and tankinis sold as separates, as well as one-piece swimsuits. Sizes will range from 0-to-18, and A to G cup.

Nani Nalu will offer appointments for one-on-one fitting services and will take some special orders if a swimsuit size, style or color is not carried in the Plaza store.

Coming soon

Big Muddy’s Gear Exchange, a resale and consignment store for gently-used outdoor sports and camping equipment, plans to open later this month at 10 East St. in Parkville.

Cash Mob event

Kansas City Metro Area Cash Mob, a volunteer group which promotes local businesses, will host a Cash Mob event from noon to 1 p.m. Saturday at The Red Door Wine Store, at retail shop and wine bar at 229A S.E. Main St., Lee’s Summit.

The group highlights one business for one hour every month. They ask consumers to make their purchases in cash during the event.

This story was originally published October 21, 2014 at 5:00 AM with the headline "Farming hobby takes root in Parkville."