Finding [Re]purpose in Greensburg

Recycled crayons, a pan light, and a refurbished typewriter table--just a few of the items found in Revival.

A fun and innovative new business is in the process of finding its way into Greensburg!  The store Revival will be opening its doors in the SunChips Business Incubator on Saturday, August 18th.  Sarah Thompson, a native of Liberal, Kansas, will be bringing her quirky style in the form of refurbished and repurposed furniture and decor.

Thompson, who was always known as "the crafty friend", was urged by friends and family to sell her creations.  After doing some research on repurposing projects, she found that these were the type of items she was already making and the type of items that she would want to purchase.  However, she saw there were no stores that focused on selling locally made green items in the south central Kansas area.  So, Thompson thought to fill that void and attempted to set up a store in her hometown of Liberal.  The store was not able to materialize in Liberal, but that was not the end for Thompson's vision.

With an interest in sustainability, Thompson and her sister took a tour of the Silo Eco-Home last fall.  While in Greensburg she made connections with our very own Ruth Ann Wedel and Dee Chandler, the director of economic development in Kiowa County, in search of job opportunities.  As time went by, Thompson's sister returned to the Silo Eco-Home with a friend and Ruth Ann inquired after Thompson.  Upon learning of the roadblocks for Thompson's store in Liberal, Ruth Ann immediately let her know that Greensburg would be a perfect fit.

"All the pieces came together... this just seems like it was meant to be," said Thompson.  Her sustainable store, Revival, coincides with Greensburg's commitment to going green.  By taking old, used items that are unwanted and finding them a new purpose, Thompson is keeping a variety of things out of the landfill in an innovative way.  The items in Revival range from big to small.  As big as a garden bench made from an old truck's tailgate to as small as melted down crayon stumps reformed into fun shapes.  Thrown out trophy tops find new life as wine bottle stoppers or coat racks.  Baking pans that are past their prime transform into lighting with character.  Thompson finds her materials from thrift shops, auctions, garage sales, friends, and landfills.  She says she feels like she is on the TV show "American Pickers"--sifting through unwanted things to find treasures.

You can attend the Grand Opening of Revival on Saturday, August 18th in the Business Incubator during Greensburg's Summer Soiree.  There will be homemade cupcakes, free crayons for the kids, and a give-away of a $25 gift certificate.  Also, Thompson says that for every pan light sold, $5 will be given back into the Greensburg community and the recipient will be announced at the Grand Opening.  You can see more images of Revival's goods on its Facebook page if you click here.  Welcome to Greensburg, Revival!