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It is with mixed emotions that we announce the closing of The Gathered Earth (February 2024). This decision was not made lightly, but a call to change focus has become clear. Almost as clear as it was when we followed the call to the UP.

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In spring of 2017, my family and I moved our little shop from Appleton, WI to beautiful downtown Marquette and it is truly one of the best things we have ever done for ourselves, our family, and the store. We weren’t completely new to the area, my husband grew up here, but we had no way of knowing what our leap of faith would look like 7 years later. 

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How could we know how much we would love living in a place so far removed from the hustle and bustle we were used to? How could we know how truly amazing the people of the UP are without walking among them? How could we possibly know how supportive this community is without the challenges and uncertainties of owning a small business, the pandemic of 2020, and everything in between? Without that support I would have never imagined opening Seiche Stone Co. . This place and its people are what has made curating The Gathered Earth such a pleasure, and I receive with gratitude all the kind words you have generously shared with me and my staff over the years. I am humbled.

 

That being said, it is time for me to be more present in my life outside of the gift shop on Washington St. Time to focus my retail mind on the little crystal shop on 3rd St., my relationship mind on family, friends and community, and my nature mind on the beauty that surrounds me…that surrounds all of us.    

Thank you, Marquette, and its visitors, for making this decision so bittersweet. I firmly believe that I live in one of the best places on earth.  

 

With Gratitude,

               

                 The Smith Family,

                 & The Gathered Earth Staff

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