EAST LIVERPOOL — Two new businesses with custom products are set to open in downtown East Liverpool just in time for the holiday shopping season.
Toybox Innovations, owned by Blair McHenry, and Hut Foundry, owned by her husband David, are scheduled to officially open in a shared space at 631 Broadway Street on Monday.
Blair said both companies are committed to bringing innovative services to the downtown core.
Blair described Toybox Innovations as a business that is bringing cutting-edge 3D printing to the region.
On one of the 3D printers installed in the front window of the store, where passersby can observe the process, she creates a series of 3D printed pieces. Blair says the pieces are from international designers, but she prints them locally in East Liverpool. . She currently stocks 3D printed multi-colored toys, including dragons, and a variety of other items that are perfect for kids and gifts.
The company can also do laser engraving and personalized items, which adds a unique touch to a wide range of products, Blair said.
David said Hat Foundry also allows customers to order custom-made and personalized hats, T-shirts, and hoodies. Customers can order online or come into the store and watch the products being made. David said customers can choose a hat and custom patch in-store and have their hat made on the spot in less than a minute. He also said the company’s new shirt printing machine will allow full-color photos and personalized designs to be printed directly onto shirts in less than five minutes. David said the T-shirts are 100% cotton and made in the USA. Also available are wallets and tumblers.
Both companies can be ordered online by visiting www.toyboxinnovations.com and www.hatfoundry.com.
The couple started their business as a home-based business with stalls at various events. They then felt they were ready to expand into a store as they grew too large to continue at home. The couple started the business about a year and a half ago and it’s been so successful that Blair was able to quit her full-time job to focus on the business. We will still have some vendor events, but the main focus of the business will be the store.
The store is still considering permanent business hours, and plans to open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
Blair and David will have a grand opening for their business on Oct. 12 with a variety of activities for kids, a Rusty Bowl taco food truck, Arctic Ice, and more.
The grand opening will be from noon to 5 p.m., with face painting from noon to 2 p.m. Rusty Bowl Tacos will be on site at 3:30 p.m.
“Both companies are excited to contribute to the revitalization of downtown East Liverpool and provide a unique hands-on experience for our customers.” Blair said.
kgarabrandt@mojonews.com