“Listening to customers” helps shop owner offer the perfect mix of rustic elegance
Photo: KJ Shea Seasonal in downtown Bedford.
Korri Walker has a knack for pairing rustic and elegant and she’s bringing her style to KJ Shea Seasonal in downtown Bedford. Featuring home décor, gourmet foods, and specialty items, KJ Shea Seasonal has something for everyone.
Walker isn’t new to entrepreneurship, but this time she wasn’t looking to start something… it just kind of happened. “My friends kept after me, telling me that Bedford needed someone to create something like this,” she said. “After a year and a half of them bugging me, I entertained the idea, and two days later, the perfect location opened up, and everything fell into place.”
“Bedford is a destination point with a place for local patronage as well. It is a gorgeous historical community—peaceful and beautiful. It’s like stepping back in time, like a little Hallmark movie,” she described. “Downtown Bedford, Inc retains the downtown community; people come here to relax and stroll the streets.”
Startup Alleghenies expertise has guided Walker in social media, which has paid off in big ways. “My coach Jen Marsh has helped us, and we’ve posted some great things about what we are offering here. We have seen a return on that investment,” she said.
“Bedford is a destination point with a place for local patronage as well. It is a gorgeous historical community—peaceful and beautiful. It’s like stepping back in time, like a little Hallmark movie.”
“Korri has taken her retail experience and created a niche that brings high-quality products to Bedford County,” Marsh said. “She is the face of the business, and customers value her opinion.”
Photo: Provided.
Walker said that she is the secret sauce that drives KJ Shea Seasonal. “I approve everything that is ordered and put on display. My vision is seen and felt when you walk into my store.”
The current hot item is all things bourbon—everything from flights to signage to charcuterie boards. Upcycled Kentucky bourbon barrels bring that rustic feel to these items. Bourbon glasses, decanters, barware, spices and foods are made in the barrels for that distinct bourbon flavor.
“People go crazy over the upcycled barrels that have the original stamps on them,” Walker said. “We get ones from Buffalo Trace, Jim Beam and Maker’s Mark that can be further personalized.”
“Listening to your customers and what they are looking for is the key to success,” she added. “We started with a nice selection of wares, now we have an amazing selection, and that’s because I grew slowly while considering how to add what our customers wanted.”
“Don’t expect everything overnight,” she offered. “Building a business and reputation, finding your groove and growing your customer base takes time. Persevere and take it one day at a time.”
Startup Alleghenies helps startup and emerging small businesses succeed by providing free coaching to entrepreneurs in Bedford, Blair, Cambria, Fulton, Huntingdon and Somerset counties. To access personal, one-on-one support from a coach in your county, including guidance, resources, tools and networking opportunities, sign up at startupalleghenies.com.
