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Sharon Kangas in front of her store, The Red Door, located at 720 East 4th Street in Duluth. Photo Carol George

“We love this place,” offered a smiling former Duluthian, Linda Malosky, who now lives in Excelsior.  Malosky received the approval of friends, Liat Beamish and Kelly Alexander for the necklace she was trying on.  They come to Duluth twice a year from the Cities for a “Girls’ Weekend.”  Photo Carol George

How long have you been in business?  

3 years

What inspired you to start this business? 

Throughout my life I’ve had a knack for finding unique items while shopping in art, antique and consignment stores.  I’ve always had a passion for art and fashion. It’s also been one of my goals to help our local community of artists and folks creating repurposed goods by purchasing or consigning their items. This region is chock-full of local talent and I am proud to help showcase their handiwork which includes jewelry, housewares, clothing, art and foodstuffs.  I want to support the community by offering affordable prices and by buying or consigning their items.

What have been some of the greatest challenges?  

My store, although only a block away from Whole Foods Co-op on 4th Street, is in the middle of the block with not many businesses close by. The street construction that is going on in front of the store right now has slowed sales. It’s difficult for people to get here.

What has been one of the most difficult decision you’ve had to make regarding your business?  

Letting workers go as I could no longer pay them was very difficult.

What have been some of the greatest rewards?  

I love meeting and talking with people, becoming friends with customers and helping customers find what they are looking for. It has also been rewarding to showcase so much local talent in one place. I love all the compliments I receive on the store. People are liking the items for sale, the displays, the building and the great prices. They are happy the store is here and hope it can remain open. I am very optimistic about the future of The Red Door.

Tell about previous work experiences. 

I was a Head Start and Nursery School teacher, licensed child care provider, substitute assistant teacher, had several retail jobs, was a cosmetologist and a realtor.

What have you learned from those experiences that influences your current business? 

I find it very rewarding working with and helping people. It’s wonderful when people love their jobs, which I do with owning this store.  

What do you find most satisfying about you work? 

Helping customers find what they are looking for is rewarding.  Once I found a fancy dress for a lady; then I found jewely a purse and shoes to match. She complimented me on my customer service.

What do you find least satisfying about your work?  

Sometimes I have to turn down items people bring in and I hope I am not hurting their feelings.

What advice would you give to someone wanting to start their own business?  

Do a lot of research before opening up a business.  It may take more money than planned.  If you love it and are able to do it, go for it.

What do you envision your business to be like in 5 years?

I envision the store to be busier, doing well and selling more unique items especially from more artists and some food gifts and snacks.

What is one of the most unique items in your store?  

It is difficult to say. The local art is very unique. There are 32 local artists consigning unique and often one of a kind pieces.  Artists make jewelry, stained glass items, hand sewn items, pottery, oil paintings, water color, pen and ink pictures and cards, woodcrafts, etc.
If you could be an animal, what would it be and why? 

I love rabbits, but I think I would want to be a dog, so I could be indoors loving my family and they could play with me and love me back.

Why is The Red Door unique?

It sells a large variety of items from vintage to new in a warm homelike setting, you can even make yourself a cup of tea in the kitchen. Also, we feature so many local artists.

How do you want customers to feel when they pass through The Red Door?  

I want them to feel welcomed and say “Wow, this is a nice store.” I want them to want to come back and bring a friend. In fact, many of my customers do just that!

What are you particularly proud of?  

I am proud I was able to buy this building that sat empty for two years.  Prior to it being The Red Door, it was a vintage store. I will take in items to consign, buy or will accept donations.  Each of the shop’s rooms has a particular theme or purpose.  There is a vintage closet off the women’s room, a men’s, junior’s and children’s room, a large kitchen with kitchen items, a study with small furniture and home decor and a room with jewelry and gift items. Local art is throughout the store (and many purses, Lol).  I am very happy to be where I am and enjoy meeting and helping customers.  I love Duluth and the kind people that live here.

 Anything Else?

One last thing, I’d like to thank Whole Foods Co-op for providing parking spots for the The Red Door during the street construction, which should be finished the end of November. Thank you to the Co-op, one of my favorite local stores!