Local couple opens craft store in East Peoria

Five years ago, Carl and Lucy Innes fell on hard times. Carl lost his job as a truck driver, and the family had to file bankruptcy. They eventually lost their home.

Now, they are getting back on their feet, and Lucy sees a light at the end of the tunnel.

This is how she came up with the name “At Rainbow’s End” for her new business in East Peoria.

“A lot of people think at the end of the rainbow, there’s a pot of gold. That’s not it ... Now, the sun is shining, and now, what’s getting us through is love, family and friends, so I named the store At Rainbow’s End,” she said.

The family has a home in East Peoria again, and Lucy opened her business close by at 1200 E. Washington St.

Innes, 46, arrives at her business at 10:30 a.m. to open after her other job at Home Instead Senior Care.

“I love it. I love both of my jobs,” Innes said.

Innes especially loves crafts. She likes making things from scraps. She and her husband formerly had a booth at monthly craft shows in Bloomington and Peoria.

“I have always loved business. Every time there was a craft show or flea market, if I could set up a booth, I would,” Innes said.

The Inneses have been a part of the craft world for about 10 years.

“I love meeting people. I’m crafty. I like making things. I can sew and knit,” Innes said. “I did all the centerpieces for my wedding. I’ll look at a scrap of something and whip up something out of it.”

Now instead of participating in the craft shows on the weekend, Innes is promoting her own craft store at these events by handing out fliers.

To date, Innes has 10 crafters at her shop. She is also looking for vendors to add a variety of items for customers, not just crafts.

Crafters, who come from all over Central Illinois, rent space from Innes and pay a monthly fee to sell their wares. Prices depend on the size of space requested.

“My crafters, I tell them, ‘If you’re multi-talented, you can display them all,’” Innes said. “That was one thing I hated about Northwoods Mall. We had to specify one thing.”

Some of the crafters offering wares in At Rainbow’s End include Elsa’s Dolls, Sew Sandi and the Saint Benedict’s Abbey monks, who sell homemade bread, jams and coffee.

Elsa’s Dolls consist of Barbies dressed in homemade, beaded full-length gowns.

There are many other craft items to choose from, and Innes said her own items are throughout the store.

Homemade purses, soy candles, floral arrangements, recycled can pin holders, wash cloths, greeting cards and more are displayed.

Toys are also available. Innes said a few years ago, she and her husband had a toy kiosk at Northwoods Mall at Christmas.

Another feature Innes offers at her shop is a child’s birthday party room. Innes said the room can be used for a party of 10. Innes decorates for a boy’s or girl’s birthday, provides the craft and clean up afterward. Parents are responsible for the refreshments.

Innes said the best part about having her own business is being able to help people.

“I give people the opportunity to be an entrepreneur and make a little extra money. It might not make their mortgage, but it might help with a tank of gas or groceries,” Innes said.

At Rainbow’s End’s business is picking up, Innes said.

“I think I’m doing pretty good being new. After Christmas, I slowed down a lot. You have your days,” she said.

The location of the business helps, Innes said. It is located at the corner of two main roads across from Lester’s Donuts. Innes has big windows to look out while she is at work. However, when she does not have customers, she is likely making crafts. Innes’ sewing machine sits on a table in one corner of the shop.

Innes said her craftiness and business sense come from her family. Born in Mexico, Innes recalled that her mother had her own sewing shop and her grandfather had a grocery store.

“My grandpa was like the Wal-Mart of Mexico. I guess it runs in the family,” Innes said.

At Rainbow’s End is open from 10:30 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday. The phone number is 966-0297.