02/02/2023
When winter came (always a bit slower-paced here than the summer), we ran a contest on Facebook. With the time given us during a couple of quiet weeks, we brought in and integrated into the Manor's recreated 1890s interiors many more pieces of the vast, diverse collection of Dempsey Manor Victoriana - pieces which have never been seen previously. The object of the contest was to identify in the photos provided what were the new treasures now contributing their charm to the Gentlemen's Parlor.
Stacy Helminiak nailed it effortlessly.
Stacy Helminiack, an antique vendor in Manistee, was our recent winner of the "Cream Tea for Two," a special private event for herself and a guest, who was her good friend Beverly Wilkins. The meal was lovingly prepared and served by Jan Peterson, the Dempsey's co-owner, on 01-23-23.
Stacy is the owner of the antiques and housegoods emporium called Nu2U, just west of Goody's Juice and Java, and just east of The Outpost on River Street.
353 River Street
Manistee, MI 49660
231-510-4449
www.nu2umanistee.com
Stacy (and her partner Sal Miglio) opened up shop on River Street about 8 years ago. Sal is always on the road scouting treasures to ship back to the shop.
Stacy came out of the gate extending warmth and a winning way to all the folks who found their way into her store. Sharp and well-informed about her merchandise, she has a will to make her mark here and root herself in our historic and lovely Victorian Port City.
It takes a big commitment of capital, time and effort to be in business and make it work in a small town. You have to be on it every moment of the day. Or evening, if necessary. That's how I met Stacy.
On the first of my many visits over the years, I wandered into the shop on a beautiful summer's evening right at closing time, unbeknownst to me. Driving down River Street I was surprised to see the shop's lights were still on, as it was 7:00pm. All the other stores had closed at 5:00, so I decided to give it a look-see and was able to park right in front of the shop.
I got caught up in friendly banter with Stacy for about an hour. She's so personable I forgot about the merchandise. We had an enjoyable visit and conversation. As I was getting ready to leave I promised that I would get the word out to our guests at the inn. Without realizing it, I left without purchasing anything, and as I pulled away I noticed it was after 8:00pm. There was no clue in her demeanor that it was way past closing for her. Sometime later I found out that her hours were daily between 10 and 6:30 - an unheard of convenience, as River Street's quaint and appealing specialty shops and boutiques habitually close at 5:00, a disappointment to visitors and denizens alike.
After a year of operating the inn, it came to me that there is one particular aspect of running a business in a small town that is crucial: your rep makes or breaks you. I've noticed that through her shop Stacy has won over Manistee. And she has developed a large following not only in Michigan, but out of state as well via her internet store.
Congratulations again, Stace!
For the rest of our readers: stay tuned! We'll be doing another contest in the spring. On this northwest coast of the state, the scrumptious feast that is an elegantly prepared and served English Cream Tea can only be experienced at The Dempsey Manor - right here in the storybook Victorian Port City of Manistee.
