Kindred Spirits are Splendid

“Kindred Spirits are not so scarce as I used to think. It’s splendid to find out there are so many of them in the world.” Patti Yancey took those words, from Anne of Green Gables, to heart in 2010 to launch not just a business but a mission and a movement. When she started Kindred Spirit Style, she began by designing handbags and totes in her home. Her grandkids were involved, making it a family affair. She took her homemade bags to dozens of trade shows across the country. She was happily picturing her future making and selling her unique bags, when in 2013 a lady by the name of June Taylor, owner of Loudean’s, called her. “You need to sell your bags next door to me.” June stated plainly. It wasn’t a suggestion. Patti did just as June said and in 2013 she opened her first brick & mortar in Mid-town on Cooper-Young. She sold her purses along with soap, lip balm, and jewelry. The items were locally made, and Patti was excited to showcase that talent. Local products and items made in the USA have always been and continue to be especially important to Patti. Her time in that location was well spent. June mentored her and was a catalyst to Patti’s success.

In 2014 Patti moved her store to Oakland. It was a small store, but she was determined to fill it with good quality products and give locals a place to shop where they felt welcome. Even if they never bought a single item. In the new store Patti once again featured her bags along with other locally made items, but she also added a small rack of clothing. The purses were her biggest attraction, with organizations such as St. Jude taking notice and purchasing 3000 of her purses for their fund raisers. At one point Patti was employing 20+ seamstresses. Her purses were sold in her store, but also sold wholesale in over 250 other stores across the US. As the years went on Patti continued to grow the store. She added more clothing, shoes, jeans and gift items. Life seemed to be moving along smoothly. Each year new things were added. New lives were touched coming into the store. It was unfolding in ways Patti longed for but could never have dreamt. Then 2020 happened.

Those first few days after the world shut down were upsetting for most and terrifying for business owners. Patti, like others, took a day or two to contemplate her future. Then she called Stephanie, her trusty assistant. They met at the store, did a Facebook live so their customers could shop and started curbside service. They had over 27, 000 people watching their Facebook lives. They began working 18 hour days delivering product curbside, doing Facebook live events and daily shipping hundreds of packages. Marilyn Kain, Stephanie Langston, Joy Smith, Cherie Fowler, Allison Canale and Patti were running the show while each of their families pitched in as well. They knew this was the only way to move forward. And they did. On a nudge from Joy, Patti called the owner of the building on the north side of her store. To her surprise and amazement, the man told her he’d bring her the key that night. Patti and Joy rallied their husbands and some tools and began tearing a hole in the wall to expand the store. The rest is history, you might say.

Today you’ll find twice the space, hundreds of new items changing regularly and many new staff members. Though some things have changed, Patti’s motto has not. “Freedom, Fellowship and Fearless living” is still what you’ll find when you walk through the doors. The soft perfume scent of one of their products brings a feel of home to the store. At Kindred Spirit Style their goal is to make each visit a memorable experience. A friendly face greets you the minute you walk in. Each staff member is knowledgeable and accommodating. Speaking of her employees, she hasn’t had to go find one to hire yet. God has intervened in every instance and each employee has landed on her doorstep in a Mary Poppins-esque way.    

Currently the store hours are Monday-Saturday from 10-6. You can also find Kindred Spirit Style online at www.kindredspiritstyle.com and they have an app as well. If you’re looking for ready-made meals, they’ve got it. Painting parties are a regular and community connecting event. Custom made t-shirts, trending fashion styles in regular and plus sizes, baby clothes, wedding gifts, sauces & seasonings, gifts for the home and men’s clothing are also available at Kindred Spirit Style. With all that Fayette County has available, you should never have to go to Memphis to shop. If you don’t think she has what you’re looking for, ask her, she knows what business does.  She humbly said during our interview, “It’s not about making money. It’s about making a difference.” Another business whose long goal is the betterment of the community. What more could we ask for? Remember, shop local and shop Fayette first!