Date Archives: April 2021

Finally! You've found your new home and our real estate agents have recommended a moving company to help you transition from the old place to the new. It would be nice if the could do everything for you, but in most cases, that's not realistic. Here are a few things you need to address before the movers knock on your door. 

• Purge, purge, and purge some more
  Unless you want to move those toys your kids outgrew two years ago and those shoes you will never wear again, you have to take the time to decide what stays and what goes. Sort each closet and drawer into toss, donate and keep. Get rid of the first two and get it all out of your way. As you pack, you may want to get rid of even more.

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The Wichita area has a rich history that includes cattle drives, Native Americans, and aviation manufacturing. If you'd like to learn about some of the area's history, you'll find several museums and other stops, including an old-fashioned sandwich and soda shop, that are well worth a visit.
  
Our real estate agents suggest stepping into the past at these Wichita destinations.  

1. Old Mill Tasty Shop – 604 E. Douglas Ave., Wichita, KS 67202  
   Although it may not seem like a traditional historic destination, the Old Mill Tasty Shop has been serving hungry and thirsty customers since 1932. The atmosphere is friendly, and some customers make the Tasty Shop a daily habit. Take a break and order a soda that's still made the old-fashioned way, or try a malt, shake, or float. If you'd like to make a meal of it, order the daily blue-plate special, or choose a sandwich like peanut butter, banana, and honey.

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We met with Alexus Scott, the owner of Wichita's newest stationary and petite gifts shop, Boutique 5. Alexus is a Wichita native and Wichita State University graduate with a passion for stationery and serving others, and thus came up with her shop! Alexus also owns two other businesses, Bridge & Grace, a management consulting group, and Queens for Christ, a non-profit for women.

How did you get started? When I would travel, I was always in awe of similar stores and thought to myself, wow I want to do that! Starting with an online boutique, and then eventually making the leap of faith to open an in-person store. One of my friends, Alex Ibarra posted on Instagram about him joining J.P. Weigand & Sons, Inc. as a commercial realtor, so I commented on this post "I'm going to need a space". From there he took me to two locations he had in mind, and the Shops at Gallery Alley one ended up being the perfect fit.

What has been your biggest challenge? Knowing that I can do this. Being sure to be capable, have the willpower, and even being ready for the business side of things. I have always have loved social media and business, but personal social media is different than the business side. I am also still in school getting my master's degree.

How do you balance work/life? "I don't think we have learned yet." I was a financial advisor at Wichita State, and then decided to think about me and then took initiative to work on my 3 businesses. All about priority. Take time, sit down, make a schedule and be completely honest with yourself about what is and is not working.

What are your company plans for the future? Stay here for a long time and expand to multiple shops and possibly even different regions, but to also take advantage of the space here. Providing a space for people to come in for an "experience", to come to hang out, write in your journal, or enjoy a coffee. My number two goal is to reach out to other female business owners and bring their products inside to sell as well. We are working with three online places right now and wanting to help other local companies find somewhere to sell their products.

What has been your biggest hurdle starting this company? Believing that what I had, people would buy. You might like it, but you have to sell it! Removing myself a little so I can also reach other demographics or people who might not desire exactly what she wants to desire.

Have you been directly affected by Covid while starting your company? In a way, it has thrusted my business forward. Most of the fixtures have been reclaimed from former businesses. I use Facebook marketplace to get retail fixtures at a great deal. All these different blessings came together to help me do things I would not be able to do before. The Wichita community has taken notice that the smaller buildings and businesses are still here. They want to come together and help. They have done their part and let us know that they still see us and that they want to help. In a weird way, Covid has helped!"

What is your favorite Wichita gem? The Public, The Monarch, Little Lion Ice Cream- I love the background and the stories behind them.

Who has been your biggest inspiration? My Pastor, Chi-Chi Emeana - She is a phenomenal businesswoman and person in general. She has been so encouraging and had several businesses. "What type of God do we serve? One that wants to bless us". She has been there done that, but still has time to come back and help others.

Follow Boutique 5
Boutique 5's grand opening is Friday, April 16th. Be sure to follow them on Instagram and Facebook to find out their opening festivities and latest items!

Wallpaper is a 2021 trend that's not likely to disappear any time soon. Homeowners are updating style with traditional florals, contemporary geometrics, and bold, colorful animal prints and tropical patterns. At J.P. Weigand and Sons, our real estate agents are seeing homes filled with beautiful wallpapers that create show-stopping appeal.

Wallpaper adds visual interest to any room, but it may also add colors and patterns that do not appeal to everyone. While some buyers may appreciate your sense of style, others may lose interest in the house. Before putting your home on the market, it's a good idea to consider the pros and cons of wallpaper in your rooms and how it may impact your sale.

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What could be a better way to celebrate spring than a family outing to the zoo? Zoo Lovers Day takes place every year on April 8, providing the perfect excuse to get out and explore the outstanding Sedgwick County Zoo. The zoo is currently open with limited entry, with all of your favorite exhibits waiting to be explored and some fun special events planned over the next few months. Our real estate agents have all of the exciting details on what to expect when you plan a trip to the Sedgwick County Zoo this spring.

• Discover More Than 3,000 Animals at Wichita's Favorite Zoo
  The Sedgwick County Zoo is one of the most popular family attractions near Wichita homes for sale, and there is so much to see when you visit. The zoo is home to more than 3,000 animals from 400 species and a diverse selection of fun, educational exhibits showcasing environments from around the world that will appeal to visitors of all ages. There are a variety of exhibits that allow visitors to walk among the animals, along with special programs designed for kids.

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Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters' annual For Kids' Sake Campaign has been a tradition for over thirty years and accounts for about one-third of the KSBBBS overall revenue budget. Weigand became directly involved as an organization in 2019, forming fundraising teams and raising $8,200 in its first year to support the youth served by KSBBBS. When the pandemic hit, it was apparent that the 2020 fundraising efforts and bowling parties would have to be canceled, resulting in a significant loss of funds for the organization.

As a result, Johnathan Weigand and Josh Turner stepped into action with other ways to help. Weigand employees came together and collected food items for the grocery care packages that were distributed to the KSBBS youth and their families. Then, the idea was formed to host a golf tournament in the fall to provide additional financial support.

On Friday, October 9, 2020, the 1st Annual J.P. Weigand & Sons, Inc. Charity Golf Classic was held at Terradyne Country Club. Twenty-one sponsors and teams raised more than $15k to support the nearly 800 Big/Little matches in Sedgwick County.

"Weigand is proud to partner with Kansas Big Brothers Big Sisters to support our local youth," said Johnathan Weigand, BBBS Community Leadership Council member. We were pleased to be able to provide assistance to their well-deserving program when it was much needed, and we look forward to continuing our partnership in the future."

Recruiting volunteers for youth waiting for a Big Brother or Sister is an ever-present need. And, during these times, our youth need us more than ever. You are encouraged to join the thousands of mentors across Kansas who are making a difference, including Weigand's very own Big Sister, Kelly Watkins. Inquire today by clicking this link to learn more at no obligation.

 2019 Weigand For Kids' Sake celebration party