Evolution of an Enterprise, Chapter 9: An Unveiling

Jason Mitchell and Michael Mardis only hung around Staxx Apparel for about an hour on the night of March 2.

It was the grand reopening of Staxx, held in conjunction with downtown Springfield’s First Friday Art Walk, and the place was packed.

Theworkshop 308 LLC proprietors were on-hand for the public unveiling of their original furniture pieces and a 14-by-18-foot iron display rack, custom made for the clothing retailer.

In a business relationship struck about a month ago, theworkshop 308 owners are displaying their furniture inside Staxx, 331 South Ave. For the first installment, they’ve placed at the store five tables and a credenza, made of wood and bamboo.

Mitchell and Mardis mingled a little during the reopening, but they didn’t stay long. They didn’t want to encroach on Staxx owner Meghan Chambers’ big night.

“We had a lot of people come up and talk to us and really compliment the pieces,” Mitchell said.

They haven’t sold any furniture out of Staxx yet, but they’ve had some bites, including interest from other businesses that were impressed with the display rack.

Chambers said she’s fielded about 10 inquires.

“I think (the furniture’s) very creative and innovative,” she said. “It’s unlike anything that I’ve ever seen. I’m very excited about what is yet to come.”