HARLAN, KY – Paul and April Collins are so invested in the success of downtown Harlan that they’ve opened a second retail business in the heart of the city. Henry’s Souvenirs and Gifts opened in late November.
The husband-and-wife entrepreneur team has been a part of the downtown Harlan business community since they opened Sassy Trash, an adjacent business selling antiques, local art, and unique vintage home decor, in early 2018. Over the past four years, the two-story curiosity shop has acquired a cult following in person and online. It was there that the seed for Henry’s was planted.
“We started carrying souvenirs and gifts at Sassy Trash because we saw a need for them, “April said. “It didn’t take long for us to see the need was much bigger than what we could house alongside our vintage and antique items. At that point, we knew it was time to give the souvenirs and gifts their own storefront.”
Once they secured the space next door, the couple set to work creating a store that would give the community what it needed – a souvenir shop all its own. Henry’s opened on November 19, 2024.
“We aimed to create an attractive souvenir and gift shop our community would be pleased to recommend to visitors,” April explained.
And the community was pleased.
“We have been overwhelmed by the response from our community and their excitement for a souvenir and gift shop on Main Street,” she added. “The response has been better than we hoped, and we are extremely grateful.”
Paul and April have lived in Harlan since childhood and consider it home. They love being downtown, interacting with customers, and knowing they’ve filled a need for their community.
“We take pride in knowing we have been a big part of the revitalization of our downtown,” April said. “If we don’t do it, then who will?”
One Harlan County Executive Director, Michael Scott, is thrilled to see local residents investing in their hometown.
“The opening of this new venture represents not only a fresh addition to the city’s vibrant business landscape but also a strong commitment to the revitalization and growth of the downtown area,” Scott said. “By offering unique products, Henry’s aims to attract both residents and visitors and foster local economic growth.”
Running one small business is a challenge for the duo, but two?
“Besides the emotional roller-coaster you ride with any new adventure, our biggest challenge was finding a building, securing the loan and getting to the point of closing,” Paul said. “It all worked perfectly for us to purchase the building next to Sassy Trash.”
Paul and April say they were ready to put in the work but needed a partner to close the deal. They met Southeast Kentucky Economic Development Corp. (SKED) staff members when they came to Harlan for a retreat last summer and stopped in Sassy Trash to shop. Fast-forward six months, and the couple needed a small business loan to buy the building next door for their next investment in downtown Harlan.
“We knew SKED offered small business loans but did not know the full extent of services they offer to allow businesses to be successful. We ran into multiple issues in the closing process that SKED worked endlessly through to make our dream come true. SKED has been wonderful to work with! Bob and Karen have walked us through the entire process from start to finish and beyond.”
April Collins, Henry’s Souvenirs and Gifts Co-Owner
SKED Director of Lending Bob Burgess says it is obvious the pair care about Harlan, its people and the future of its economy.
“April and Paul take pride in Harlan, both the city and the county,” Burgess said. “They care about their community, and it shows in the two businesses they operate in downtown Harlan. They have poured their time and effort into Sassy Trash and Henry’s, and it shows.”
Follow Henry’s Souvenirs and Gifts on Facebook to learn more. Next time you visit Harlan, visit them at 112 N Main St., Harlan, Ky.
