Despite tough times, Mt. Pleasant business owner opens new shop

MT. PLEASANT - Even in the midst of a pandemic, the Mt. Pleasant downtown area is welcoming new businesses.

Etc., a gift boutique on Main Street in the downtown area, held a ribbon-cutting on Friday morning to kick off its official opening.

Joni Manske, owner of the shop, runs another small business on Jefferson Street, Anywear Apparel, as well as operates a production shop in Mt. Pleasant.

Manske opened Etc. in October and said she wanted to bring a gift boutique back after a Hallmark store in town closed its doors.

'It's going really well. It's picking up. People are becoming more aware,” she said.

Manske added the store continues to experiment on what people are interested in buying and plans to have call in orders and an upstairs space for kids to enjoy.

Lisa Oetken, director of Mt. Pleasant Main Street, said it has been a tough year, but the main square continues to see 'great things happen.”

'We've got exciting things. [Etc.] stands out because it's someone who saw a need, loves our community, already has a business here in Mt. Pleasant, but has taken that risk. She's a true entrepreneur,” Oetken said.