People from the Playground: Chloe Miller & Chelsea Espinosa
Here in Ohio's Largest Playground, it's truly our people who make our place.
Through our People From the Playground blog series we aim to shine a spotlight on just a handful of the wonderful personalities who help make our fun-filled corner of the Buckeye State so special.
For this edition we had the pleasure of chatting with Chloe Miller & Chelsea Espinosa, owners of two popular downtown Franklin, Ohio hotspots - Vinnie + Velvet and Fizzy Sips & Sweets. Sisters, business partners and active members of the Franklin Chamber group helping to lead an exciting reimagining of Downtown Franklin, Chloe and Chelsea took the time to share some thoughts on Franklin fun, Warren County's shopping scene and more!
Opening both a boutique and sweet shop seems like such a unique combo. What was the inspiration behind Vinnie + Velvet and Fizzy Sips & Sweets?
Warren County has a big heart for small businesses like ours, and we love being in good company. The variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment offered in Warren County is unmatched, and we’re proud to be a small part of that!
What’s been your favorite part of running a business in “Ohio’s Largest Playground”?
Warren County has a big heart for small businesses like ours, and we love being in good company. The variety of shopping, dining, and entertainment offered in Warren County is unmatched, and we’re proud to be a small part of that!
What’s your favorite drink from Fizzy Sips & Sweets to pair with browsing Vinnie + Velvet?
Such a tough question! Chelsea's favorite: Diet Coke with toasted marshmallow and cream. Chloe's favorite: Cloud Nine (Sprite, orange and cream).
For folks visiting Warren County for the first time, what other spots do you recommend checking out? Any local favorites or other hidden gems you tend to send friends and family?
When in Franklin, our friends at DoublePlay Records and Retro and SheShac are must-visits! Make a day of it and grab lunch at Pisanello’s Pizza while you’re in the area! We also love to spend time shopping and dining in downtown Lebanon… Lot No1 Coffee is one of our faves!
How has the local community in Franklin and Warren County supported Vinnie + Velvet since you’ve opened? Do you have any favorite stories or moments that stand out from your interactions with customers?
We truly cannot say enough about the support we’ve felt from the community for our businesses… they’ve embraced us with open arms! We’ve had people ask for our business cards to keep in their wallets or pass out to friends to share about our store ls. Last winter, our road was closed for several months due to construction. Our incredible shoppers braved cold, nasty weather, wet sidewalks, excavators and more to get to us. On the day that our new sidewalks were poured, we had a shopper trying to make her way to V&V while holding her infant. She reached across the sidewalk and passed the baby to our dad, who was working in Fizzy at the time, so she could step over the wet pavement. We still laugh about that! We are incredibly thankful for our customers, who really feel more like friends.
What makes Franklin, and Warren County as a whole, a must-stop spot for shoppers?
We would love to encourage anyone and everyone to visit downtown Franklin. Our city has so much to offer, and has new life thanks to the City’s investment in our downtown area. Saturday farmer’s markets in the summer and early fall, beautiful murals, a food truck park, and many family-owned shops that pour their heart and soul into what they do, all within walking distance. It’s a great place to spend a day! There is so much variety and charm in Warren County. Stroll downtown Lebanon or Waynesville at Christmastime and you’ll think you’re in a Hallmark movie!