In The Groove, a custom laser engraving and wood cutting company, has been serving Owensboro online and in a few local retail locations since 2014. From personalized wooden door hangers to engraved rocks glasses and baking dishes, In The Groove has provided personalized gifts that the owners say every home needs.
Jeff Sorce has been a part of In The Groove since 2014. He and business partner James Whitehouse took over the business in January of this year. With the success of their online business, in addition to selling wholesale to several retailers across the country, they felt it was time to expand.
Up until recently, customers could find In The Groove products in a select few stores that agreed to display items for the small online business. One of those stores was Simply Chic. Simply Chic owner Debi Ford has been encouraging the In The Groove owners to open up a storefront, which for some time seemed out of reach.
However, when the space adjacent to Ford became available, Sorce and Whitehouse felt this was the opportunity they had been looking for.
“It was time to expand,” Sorce said. “We wanted to incorporate paint parties into our retail vision as well.”
“Pour and Paint” is a concept the two hope will not only be good for business but be a good use of the space as well. In The Groove hopes to open up a portion of the shop for people to host their own paint parties. The shop will not only supply the chairs and tables necessary, but the cutouts, paints, vinyl and wood words, as well as bows and decorative finishes.
A host or hostess can then book their own paint party of ten or more friends and earn a commission by doing so. Pour and Paint parties will cost $30 for each person, with the host/hostess receiving a free cut out as well as a $10 commission per guest.
“They get paid to bring their friends to paint at our store,” Sorce said.
While Pour and Paint events will initially require their guests to supply their own alcoholic beverages, if desired, In The Groove hopes to eventually file for their liquor license.
In addition to the Pour and Paint events, the store will also host two parties a month, that anyone can participate in and do not require a hostess.
Sorce said In The Groove will still continue to offer their full retail line, allowing shoppers to grab a quick housewarming gift, or order specialized items that offer a more personal touch.
“We saw a need and we’re trying to fill it,” Sorce said.
In The Groove will be located at 103A West 3rd Street with a grand opening planned for Saturday, Oct. 6.
