FeedsGroup steps in to save businesswoman
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Sharon Vogue, left, and the Plymouth-Westland Grange have stepped in to help Kay Wurm, owner of Laurel Furniture, after a series of tragedies this year.Customers still fill the showroom of Laurel Furniture on Ann Arbor Trail but they are not buying furniture.
Reclining chairs and dining room tables have been replaced with hand made quilts and sweaters as craft makers help a woman who lost her husband, home and was forced to liquidate her business within a span of months.
Every weekend from now until Dec 23, people are invited to shop at the former furniture store to buy crafts, get a meal and enjoy old-fashioned fellowship.
“In every situation, God has taken care of me,” said Kay Wurm, the owner of Laurel Furniture.
Wurm experienced her version of divine intervention while attending the annual Plymouth Fall Festival. It was there she met Sharon Strebbing, a member of the Plymouth/Westland Grange who gave her the idea of turning her empty store into a marketplace for craft artists looking for a venue to sell their products during the holidays.
“I could just tell she was troubled and I wanted to go over and talk to her,” said Strebbing, whose organization helps the region through community service and providing lobbying help on behalf of farmers.
After hearing the story of how Wurm’s husband of 38 years, Donald, died of cancer and how mounting bills forced her to sell her home, Strebbing decided to step into action.
“Kay is the sweetest woman in the world. I’m glad I could help,” said Strebbing.
After their conversation at the Fall Festival, Wurm set out to advertise for vendors for her new market. Since Wurm had no experience with crafts she was not getting the response she expected.
While hanging up posters in Northville, Wurm came across Sharon Vogue, a veteran craft artist who has sold merchandise all over Michigan.
Vogue told Wurm to make several changes including the price structure for venders to rent space. Wurm listened and within days the majority of available slots were filled.
What inspired Vogue to become involved in the craft market wasn’t money. It was the spirit of Wurm.
“She’s an unbelievable person, a sweetheart. She’ll give you the shirt off her back, said Vogue who manages the day-to-day operation of the craft market including checking the merchandise to make sure it is quality and hand-made.
The fees the craft vendors pay to Wurm provide her with income and her building serves as a way for the vendors to make an income during the holiday season.
For Strebbing and Vogue, the biggest win is seeing Wurm happy.
“She’s bubbly and happy, like a person whose been freed from all their problems, said Strebbing.
After the holidays, Wurm plans to sell the building and use the proceeds to buy a home in South Lyon so she can be closer to her brothers.
The Crafts Fair at Laurel Furniture is open from noon until 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and from noon until 6 p.m. on Sundays.
