A new store is opening at the Garage at Cleveland Corner’s retail incubator space

The newest tenant for the Garage at Cleveland Corner’s retail incubator space at First and Cleveland is a familiar one.

Juliana Cavender already owns Everyday Beaut and Clifton Collective at Clifton Square and in Leawood.

Now, she’s creating a new concept called Mini Co.

“It’s going to be a collective of apparel, accessories and all around kid and baby stuff,” Cavender said.

“With the incubator space, they just offer you extra support in terms of mentorship,” she said. “I just don’t think you can ever receive enough mentorship.”

She’s owned Everyday Beaut for eight years and Clifton Collective grew out of that in 2018 when she needed more space.

The store features a variety of handcrafted goods along with clothing, accessories and baby items. The baby and children’s section started growing in part as Cavender became a mom. She has two daughters, ages 1 and 2.

“Our kiddo section has evolved.”

Now, it’s going to shrink, though it still will carry some favorites, as Mini Co. opens.

Initially, the store will carry clothing, accessories and developmental and other toys for babies and children up to about ages 5 or 6, though that could change.

“We’ll see what people want,” Cavender said.

As she’s been telling clients about her plans, she said, they keep saying, “Don’t forget about the boys!”

Cavender said the store will cater to everyone.

“Our goal is to really bring a gender neutral, all-inclusive aesthetic.”

A few businesses have gone through the incubator program, although only one, Grow Giesen Plant Shop, has been in the building. The space wasn’t ready in time for Senor Munchies, so it did pop-ups, and the Loud Cicada went straight to a permanent home.

The Garage at Cleveland Corner is meant to be a short-term start-up space for retail entrepreneurs.

“The intention behind it is that it is revolving,” said Janelle King, founder and president.

There is a board of directors that selects entrepreneurs, and there is a team of mentors who coach them and prepare them for a permanent bricks-and-mortar space.

The incubator space is within King’s Cleveland Corner, where her Workroom retail shop is along with Viola’s Pantry.

“You get immediate built-in traffic,” King said.

The Knight Foundation Fund at the Wichita Community Foundation funds the Garage at Cleveland Corner along with Fidelity Bank.

“The incubator space is a launch pad,” Cavender said.

“I have a love for entrepreneurship,” she said. “I have a love for small business. . . . I love everybody that’s with me on the journey. . . . It’s a collaborative effort.”

King said that even in difficult economic times, “people will spend money on children.”

“Moms might not spend money on themselves, but they’ll spend it on those littles.”

King is confident Cavender will do well.

“She’s going to be another big success.”

This story was originally published June 21, 2022 at 12:00 AM.