By CRISTINA JANNEY
Hays Post
Although delayed by COVID-19, the newest store is now open on the bricks, Home Elements by Jenny, 119 E. Eighth.
Owner Jennifer Schaffer has been refurbishing furniture for years, but after moving back to Hays with her husband, the Hays native decided to expand into a brick-and-mortar store.
Schaffer, 45, had been creating items for anniversaries and events for family and friends and her own home, but all out of her own home.
"For me, it was kind of a hobby and something to keep my mind busy, since I was a stay-at-home mom — something I enjoyed doing," she said.
Her oldest is 19 and her youngest, twins, are 12. She said she always wanted to have her own store, and she thought now was the time to do it.
"I wanted to share with other people the things that I could do," she said.
The store was set to open in the spring, but the COVID pandemic and subsequent shutdowns delayed the opening. Schaffer said she was not able to obtain some of the items she had ordered for her home decor showroom until recently.
Schaffer and her husband purchased the building in May and did some minor renovations to prepare the showroom.
"As I went around and shopped, because I'm from here, I said, 'I think there is something missing.' [I just wanted] to add something else," she said. "I really wanted to be downtown. That was a big part of it because I think downtown growing is a huge thing in Hays."
The building also has a classroom. Once social distancing rules are relaxed, Schaffer said she would like to offer furniture restoration classes as well as children's art classes in that space.
Home Elements by Jenny is carrying all sorts of item for the home, including furniture, accessories, pictures, lighting and the candle line, River Chic.
"I kind of look for antiques that are in bad shape and need to be freshened up — unique pieces," Schaffer said. "I will add a twist to them or texture and different kinds of resign pieces or artistic pieces. Everything I do I like to do a little bit different."
She also purchases new items from various manufacturers.
Schaffer said she likes all aspects of design, but leans toward shabby chic and more rustic pieces. She also has more traditional and farmhouse furnishings.
"What I try to do here in the store is to add a little bit of all worlds, so everyone has opportunity, because everyone has different taste," she said.
Schaffer carries a full line of Dixie Belle Paints, which are Chalk Mineral paints for DIY projects or professional painters. She also carries Jade Bloom Essential Oils for diffusers.
Schaffer is open by appointment. She is waiting to see what happens with COVID-19, but she said she hopes to open for regular hours later this fall.
You can message her for an appointment on her website or call or text 785-656-4780. You can also follow the business on its Facebook page.
Schaffer's husband, Brian, is the executive manager at Robert Brogden Buick GMC Cadillac, formerly James Motor Company. Brian grew up on a farm outside of Liebenthal.
"He was at the Ford dealership here when we first married. We left and we came back, and everything was a full circle," she said.
"Now we are back here again, letting the younger ones be raised by their grandparents and their family. It is kind of neat being back in your hometown. We didn't ever expect that would happen. ... Now, we're super glad that we're here."