We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the past and promoting the future of downtown Liberty, Missouri.
We are a non-profit 501(c)(3) organization dedicated to preserving the past and promoting the future of downtown Liberty, Missouri.
As spring approaches, flowers are starting to bloom, and people start stepping outside to explore and soak up the nice weather. The downtown square is the perfect place to stroll and a daytime event for people of all ages. Yet as the clouds start to subtly form and little rain pellets hit the ground, shelter must be sought in a warm and inviting area. And, when people are looking for somewhere to dry off, they also find comfort in a store that has everything. Vibrant clothes hang off the racks, different candles and fresh scents swarm the aroma of the room, pictures are hung up, and the place really does feel like home. With 35 small businesses and vendors in one store, ranging from as young as 9 to as old as 85 years old, here in the store. And it seems to be a place for everyone. From candy to jewelry to cookbooks, The Copper Canary has it all.
The store is run by Carie Brogden and Angela Cooper. Both always had dreams of opening their own store one day. Carie has always had a sense of entrepreneurship. Ever since she started her own business cleaning houses with her friend in high school, she felt compelled to be her own boss and do her own thing. Brogden went to college for small business management, and now she’s been in this industry for about 15 years and has been co-owning The Copper Canary alongside Cooper for almost three years now. And the hard work is finally paying off.
“This spot in the square was kind of the first time that it felt like I could do this. I love how much HDLI does for us. Because if I were to have been in business anywhere else in this town, I would not have had this much support. They are constantly thinking of ways to drive in business and get us customers. They’re keeping the square alive, and so I’m really grateful to them. But additionally, other than their support, what I like about being down here is that it feels straight out of a Hallmark movie sometimes, it seriously does,” Brogden explained.
Historic Downtown Liberty, Inc. (HDLI) is a non-profit Main Street program focused on revitalizing, preserving, and promoting the historic downtown square and shops in general in Liberty, Missouri. They also work with interns at Liberty and Liberty North high schools wanting to come down and gain job experience in their field of study. Katelynn Heutinck is a great example of an intern at Liberty North, working alongside Brogden and Cooper, teaching her a lot about running a business, logistics, how the money works, getting products in, and even getting a chance to help run the social media and Instagram for Brogden and Cooper. A great opportunity to have access to hands-on learning and something creative to put on a resume.
The Copper Canary has vendors come in from all over and are able to decorate a part of their store, paying a monthly rent and also keeping most of the profit after their items are sold. This store is a collection of other people’s small businesses, all coming together under one roof to sell and succeed together. Not something you get to walk around and experience every day.
“I have found that this store is unique and unlike others; we don’t have a core demographic. This is a store for everybody, and we have something for everyone here, of all ages.” Brogden explains. A perfect way to bring everyone together under one store.
