“I’ve spent my whole life in the business, one way or another —since I was a little kid running around on the cutting tables,” Joe Starks, the current owner of Zion Furniture and Upholstery, shares. Originally founded in 1937 by Barney Barnhill, the shop has seen several owners and moved locations before settling in its current spot in the early 1980s. "Barney ran it until he was too old," and then his son took it over. John Harper purchased the shop next. When he became ill, his daughter took over, and then Joe's uncle bought Zion's in 2002, but not before asking Joe if he wanted Zion's.

“Taking a three-hour flower arranging class made me so happy - it brought me a source of comfort and peace that I did not realize could happen to me,” shares Natalie Cruz, a native of Cottonwood Heights, Utah. Surrounded by flowers since childhood, thanks to her mother and grandmother, Natalie developed a deep love for blooms. This passion followed her to California, where it truly flourished during her college years. Frequent visits to local farmers markets and floral arrangement classes ignited a joy that eventually led to the founding of The Petal Coop.

“I believe we can change the landscape - both literally and figuratively - by simply tossing seeds and inviting nature back into our lives. It is an act of faith, and one that I know will make a difference.”

“It was my dad who introduced me to cooking,” recalls the owner, Todd Bradley, of Leavity Bread & Coffee, a brand-new bakery and coffee shop. “I’ve always been my father’s son, and cooking together in the kitchen was something special we shared. That early connection to food sparked a lifelong passion that’s led me here.” Not to forget Todd’s mother, her spaghetti and salmon dishes will always have a special place in his heart.

“My mission has always been to bring art closer to people,” begins Lucia Murdock, owner of Workshop SLC. A passionate artist and entrepreneur originally from Sinaloa, Mexico, Lucia was raised in the culturally vibrant city of Guadalajara. Her early life was steeped in the arts, where murals and art openings were as common as the city’s bustling streets.

“When we took over in January 2020, it was a bit of a risk,” Kara Leigh admits. “But almost five years in, we’re still excited to wake up every day and do what we do. This is a unique, magical life, and we’re grateful to be able to share it with our guests.”

“We have a passion for bringing people together through food and drinks,” says Chris Madrill, one half of the dynamic duo behind Marmalade Brunch House. Chris and his brother, Nelson, opened their brunch spot in April 2023, at the remarkable ages of nineteen and twenty. Their youthful energy and love for great food are palpable in every corner of this colorful, welcoming space.

“I’ve always loved the thrill of Halloween. And when we couldn’t find what we wanted for our daughter’s first Halloween, we realized there was a need for a year-round spooky shop,” says Landrie Miller, the owner of Spoox Bootique, a unique Halloween-themed store in Salt Lake City that fills the needs of ghoul-inclined patrons throughout the year.

“Tea is about connection - connecting with yourself, with others, and with the world around you,” says Bradley Heller, reflecting on the philosophy that drives his beloved Salt Lake City establishment, Tea Grotto. Originally from a small farm in central Illinois, Bradley’s journey to becoming a tea shop owner was anything but conventional.

“Ice cream should be a part of your normal daily life - a treat you can savor every day,” says Alexa Norlin, the visionary behind Normal Ice Cream. Alexa, a classically trained pastry chef who studied in Canada and on the East Coast, noticed a gap in Utah’s dessert scene when she moved to Salt Lake City. She wanted to introduce something new: high-end soft-serve ice cream. With a love for soft serve that stemmed from her childhood, she saw the potential to elevate this classic treat with unique, decadent flavors.

Anthony Serena’s love for sneakers began in his childhood, growing up in San Diego. Basketball was his primary passion, but sneakers quickly became a close second. However, in a family where money was tight, owning the latest and greatest shoes was more of a dream than a reality. “We couldn’t afford much, but that didn’t stop me from dreaming about having a pair of Jordans,” Anthony recalls.

“Our goal was to create something where we would want to work together,” Chris and Tricia Malstrom, the dynamic duo behind Malstrom Salon, stated. There is no doubt that they have succeeded in creating a haven for their clients, blending artistry and dedication. Their journey together began as teenagers when they met on the back steps of Jordan High School in the late 1980s. Their bond, forged in those early years, has only grown stronger over the decades, both personally and professionally.

“I’ve been here for fifty-two years. I started when I was twenty.” Thus began my delightful and inspiring conversation with Renee Backer, a strong, energetic seventy-two-year-old woman at the heart of Mrs. Backer’s Bakery. When I asked Renee if she had a few minutes to share the history of Mrs. Backer’s, she quickly replied, “There are articles that have been written about us since 1942. Our story has been told over and over, but I guess there is always something new to add.”

“One of our core values is supporting and sustaining local artisan makers. The art and the things you purchase are like the sweet and savory parts of your home and life - accents that are more special,” Ashley Collett reflected as she sat across from Nicole Choules. The two, who co-founded Salt and Honey, are business partners and friends—or as they refer to one another, “work wives.”

“We noticed there were some high-end shops in town and some budget-friendly ones, but nothing really in between - nothing really woman-owned at the time.” This insight from Danielle Bossert, one of the co-founders of Strawberry Mansion, captures the essence of what she and her sister, Josie, set out to create when they opened their shop in 2022. Set in a vibrant area of Salt Lake, Strawberry Mansion offers a carefully curated collection of furniture, art, pottery, lighting, and books, all echoing the sisters’ deep-rooted passion for design.

“I’ve always loved small treasures—those little things that bring joy into our lives. Owning a store where I can curate and share those special finds with others has been a dream of mine since I was thirteen.” 

“Life has a way of turning out for the best, even when the path seems uncertain,” Alan Hebertson mused. His eyes then glanced around the Coffee Garden, the space he has nurtured for over three decades. From its humble beginnings across the street in 1993, the Coffee Garden has grown into a beloved community hub in the heart of Salt Lake City’s 9th and 9th district. The café is more than just a place to grab a cup of coffee - it is a gathering spot where lives intertwine, and stories are shared.

“We’re embracing our roots and providing something different, something special.” Jennifer Rugg, the manager of Golden Braid Books, emphasized how she and the current owner, Pamela Brown, are fully committed to restoring the store’s original intent: a spiritual haven filled with unique products.

“The food, the drink - all of it is just a means to an end."  Erica O'Brien’s vision for The Rose Establishment was clear from the beginning. She wanted to develop a space that went beyond just serving coffee and food. “Ultimately, nothing else matters other than creating a place where people can connect.” This focus on fostering genuine human connections is central to everything at The Rose, from the intentional absence of Wi-Fi, encouraging face-to-face conversations, to the thoughtfully curated menu that prioritizes quality and sustainability.

“I came to Utah for school, but I stayed because I fell in love with the people, the environment, and the opportunities,” shared the inspiring restaurateur, Chanon Vanngam. Her journey from Thailand to the United States is as remarkable as the dishes she serves in her beloved Thai restaurant.