Douglas High student helps support local business

Douglas High School senior Joscelyn Turner recently learned different ways of advertising and how newspapers can be a great way to get the word out about new businesses.

Turner reached out to the Record-Courier to help her feature Carson Valley Kids, a local kids store, as part of her project for Advance Principles of Business Management class.

In the class, students had the choice of “buying” or “advertising” with a local business to help them understand the inner workings of a business.

Along with the newspaper, Turner utilized social media and flyers.

“The nice thing about the project is I learned some skills about businesses,” said Turner. “It was interesting to learn how to track different ads and platforms and how they attract customers.”

One way Turner experienced the benefits of newspaper advertising is how background and information about the business can be a great tool in spreading interest to consumers.

Carson Valley Kids started out as Tahoe Kids Trading Co. Owner Lizzy Kirkpatrick started the business in Tahoe after her first child was born in 2017.

“I just started noticing the costs at other retail stores and the quantity of what was available and wanted to open a one-stop place for kids,” she said. “I saw a need and took a leap.”

The store has been open for one year at the Ironwood Plaza location in Minden.

“We call it a treasure trove, because you never know what you are going to find,” she said.

Carson Valley Kids carries clothes, shoes, toys and accessories ranging from newborn to 16 youth.

Kirkpatrick described the store as an affordable “thrifty-boutique.”

“Everything is either brand new or gently used items,” she said. “We check for quality and make sure everything has all its pieces and that it works too.”

She said the products come from donations and other local businesses.

Some toys and activities come from companies like Ooly, which makes arts and crafts kits and Eebool makes educational puzzles and games.

“We partner with local businesses, many of which that are entrepreneurs, “said Kirkpatrick. “We support local and families here.”

The store is set up with kids in mind with eye level toys and interests for little shoppers.

“It’s stressful to take kids shopping, but my store is designed for kids with touchable things at eye level, we have a changing table and nursing station, and mini shopping carts for the kids to shop,” said Kirkpatrick. “We want it to be an environment where parents can relax and not worry and it’s meant for kids to enjoy it too.”

The store is also supportive and understanding.

“We are locally owned and locally employed, in fact many are moms and grandmothers,” said Turner. “So, we ‘get it’ and you can expect to get friendly and supportive customer service here.”

Turner said, even though this opportunity was part of a school project and she learned a lot from the experience, nothing beats the main goal she set out to do.

“It will be interesting to see how my goals while doing the project helped her out and to present what I learned to my class, but I really just wanted to help support her and let people know that she is here,” she said. “I think it’s important to support local businesses and the community and this is someone who gives back so much. It was wonderful to work with her.”

Located at 1758 Highway 395 North Suit F in Minden, Carson Valley Kids is open 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday, 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Sunday and closed Monday and Tuesday. For holiday shopping, Kirkpatrick said the store is open 10 a.m.- 6 p.m. Dec. 19 and Dec. 20.

For more information visit carsonvalleykids.com and follow on Facebook and Instagram at carsonvalleykids.