At The Good Merchant we love things with a dual purpose! We especially like the clever idea of tying a scarf into a headband. Check out our tutorials where Emily shows you how simple and stylish a scarf headband can be! Check out the link below!

 http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9l4Bwy08RhA

My roots are in the country where life is simple and pure but I also love to wander in the shadows of a vibrant city scape.  Growing up in rural Kansas, my artist mother taught me it was ok to sunbath naked surrounded by cornfields and that when my kindergarten class was studying American Indians  we most certainly deserved a life size tepee built by her in the middle of our classroom.  Her life quest was to be free and create great juju for everyone she met.  My father was a visionary who worked very long hours but always had time for family, community and his faith.  My childhood memories are filled with him running a vast farming and cattle operation from a pickup truck filled with dogs and children. 

 Before my first date, at the age of 16, he told me the following; “Elizabeth, in this life there is only one thing you truly own, and once that is gone you can never fully get it back.  That one thing is your reputation”.  At the time I thought he was only concerned about the intentions of my first love.  But through my life I have held that advice close to my heart as I believe it applies not only to our personal life but also in business dealings.  The reputation of a business is what keeps customers coming back.

My store, The Good Merchant, is a culmination of over a decade of dreaming and scheming that finally came to fruition.  I strive to make The Good Merchant a place where customers know they will find an inspired collection of products that help them express their own personal style.   The Good Merchant shows a passion for antiques and all things vintage then mixes it with carefully selected modern items.  We enjoy the thrill of the hunt and scout out unique objects.  At The Good Merchant we mix the old with the new to create a comfortable and exciting style that is all its own.

Neither of my parents lived to see my dream store come to life.  But I know for certain they would have been proud.  I have many times had visions of my Dad walking through the shop door.   I imagine his huge grin and him saying with a slight tilt of his head, “Lil Body, you did good”.

An uninspired life is not truly living. Come to the Borg and stop in at The Good Merchant--can't wait to see you!

Liz Lahodny

Proprietor, The Good Merchant