New creative operation now open in downtown Johnstown

JOHNSTOWN, Pa. – Packed in the walkway between 416 and 419 Main St., a sizeable crowd eagerly anticipated the opening of a new shop Monday in downtown Johnstown: The Creative Corner & Co.

The “intentionally cozy” spot is home to artisans Tara Bagley, Amy Harris and Katie Kinka, who combined resources and creativity to start their own business at 416 Main St., Suite 104 – on the Lincoln Street side.

“Our mission was to lower the barrier of entry to art,” Kinka said.

That includes not only selling their own pieces, but teaching the community how to work in their mediums and allowing consignment opportunities for other local artisans.

All three of the women started their creative journeys about four years ago and have found a home in those processes.

Bagley owns Tara Root Illustrations – water color and mixed media pieces; while Harris’ business is The Reclaimed Flame – a hand-poured candle operation using unique containers; and Kinka has Fireweed and Free – her small-batch, handmade jewelry shop.

Each of them likely couldn’t have succeeded on their own, Bagley said, but together, they can share in a space to make their art and encourage others to do the same.

Kinka and Bagley participated in the Johnstown Area Regional Industries’ Alliance for Creative Rural Economies program through Bridgeway Capital with the intention of opening their own space, and they brought Harris along.

Tasha Adams, JARI marketing and outreach specialist who organized the event, told the crowd that the passion and drive of each of the women is “truly something to witness,” and she can’t wait to see what they do.

The support thus far has been overwhelming in a good way, Harris said.

Following a ribbon cutting and comments from the owners and others, visitors were invited inside to explore the wares.

They were met with an eclectic and inviting shop featuring a Victorian color palette of pink, yellow and purple, and plenty to explore.

From watercolors of red doors and winding vines and candles scented with grapefruit and mint to tiger’s eye and onyx necklaces, there was no shortage of unique items on display.

As Bagley led a tour of the space, she noted about 95% of everything in the store is thrifted or second-hand goods.

The Corner also features a coffee nook and large dining table to host creative classes.

“We wanted it to feel like your witchy aunt’s kitchen table ... where magic can happen,” Kinka said of the shop.

Samantha Prosser, a friend of all three, said she remembered nearly a year to the day Monday having a conversation with Bagley about the illustrator wanting her own storefront.

Standing inside that shop was an amazing feeling, Prosser said, adding that the three are inspiring.

“She manifested this,” Prosser said.

“It just came together so flawlessly.”

Harris said she can’t wait to see what comes next for the trio.

The Corner will be open from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. Saturday.

For more information about The Creative Corner & Co., visit the group’s Instagram page or Facebook page.