Photo By Brad Frerkson, 7b photography.
Shery and Scott Meekings are a familiar sight at the Cedar Street Bridge in Downtown Sandpoint. They have operated the nonprofit Creations for Sandpoint since 2010 and have brought a new vibe to the iconic Downtown Sandpoint landmark. So when the opportunity to purchase Carousel Emporium on the Cedar Street Bridge came about, they could not pass it up.
“Our family has basically lived and raised our only daughter at the Cedar Street Bridge since 2010,” said Shery. Shery was not sure if the purchase of Carousel Emporium was even an option for her family, but she was encouraged when Scott told her he would be willing to help out with the Creations Museum so she could run Carousel Emporium.
“When I heard Lynda was looking to sell Carousel, I thought it would be a natural fit for our family since I worked at Carousel for a few years and had years of experience with purchasing goods and managing Creations Museum store,” said Shery.
Originally opened by Lynda Gillham in 2010, Carousel Emporium is a unique and whimsical boutique that offers an array of clothing, accessories, jewelry, gifts and home décor and has styles for all ages.
“I helped Lynda open Carousel Emporium back in 2010 and worked with her for a few years while Creations got some footing with the local community,” Shery said. “We continually purchase from all over the world to find your next favorite thing.”
Carrying on the tradition that Gillham started is something Shery looks forward to.
“We love having the opportunity to run businesses on each end of the historic Cedar Street Bridge,” said Shery, who adds that their daughter helps a lot.
While Creations continues as a community family center, it also offers children’s clothing, gifts and toys. Proceeds go to support Creations Creative Art, Discovery Play and Education community area that is now more than 3,000 square feet of The Cedar Street Bridge.
Shery said that the owners of Cedar Street Bridge, Jeff and Cindy Bond, have been a support system for the growth and success of the thriving businesses. “And of course our amazing community is the biggest support,” she said, and adds that she has enjoyed meeting the many clients who have come to be like family to her. “I can’t wait to get reacquainted with the clients at Carousel Emporium. I certainly look forward to the next chapter of my life.”
Shery stated that Carousel Emporium offers styles from Desigual, which she said is an amazing company from Spain, OTBT shoes handcrafted in Lynchburg, Virginia, Miss Me, Laura Hlavac, Ariatta, Flipside Hats, Papaya, Natural Life, Kut from the Kloth, Amma, Effie’s Heart, Mysteree and much more.
“It’s truly a unique buying experience that creates joy for the senses the moment you enter the store,” said Shery, adding that Carousel Emporium will be just one more way to enrich the community.
“Carousel now contributes a percentage from every purchase to Creations children’s nonprofit. There is plenty of reason to shop in The Cedar Street Bridge this year,” said Shery. “From jewelry, gifts, interior furnishings, to the food that includes wraps, sandwiches, delicious gourmet pizza, handcrafted sushi, coffee, gelato and smoothies; a children’s boutique, toy store, organic makeup and huckleberry everything. It’s the perfect place to play, shop, discover, create, relax, wine and dine.”
See you on the bridge!
Carousel Emporium
334 N. First Ave. Ste. 201
Sandpoint, Idaho 83864
208.263.4140