Goodrich-‘Unique? is a word Dave Czajka does not like.
The Goodrich resident says overuse of the word has dulled its meaning. And yet, when used properly, ‘unique? is probably the most effective way to describe ‘Outside Inn,? 10274 S.State Road, the store owned by Czajka and his wife, Julie.
With the motto ‘cool stuff…naturally? and an inventory including tikki carvings, art made from old propane tanks and handmade items from the world over, it’s immediately apparent this is not your average chain store.
Czajka says he and his wife struck upon the idea for the shop while looking for items to adorn their own home.
While many stores boasted ‘unique? merchandise, Czajka says a more fitting description of the items would often have been ‘weird.?
Yes, items were different, says Czajka, but often also useless and tacky.
Eventually the couple did find the one-of-a-kind sort of items for which they were searching. And, after decorating their own home with the items, they realized they had found a void in the local business community they wanted to fill.
And so, ‘Outside Inn? was born.
‘Our ‘unique? is true ‘unique?,? says Czajka. ‘It can not be duplicated or replicated.?
Thus far, the couple’s hunch that such as business would thrive in this community has proven correct.
‘It’s been fabulous, business wise and feedback wise,? says Czajka. ‘Julie and I are having the time of our lives.?
Czajka says he and his wife choose items for the store that are reflective of nature, made of natural materials or are handmade. The ‘best of the best and coolest of the cool,? are things sought for Outside Inn’s stock.
Many of the stores customers are ones Czajka says appreciate the quality of handmade items and are getting away from the mentality that all things are disposable.
Quality, however, does not necessarily equate to high prices. The Czajkas have tried to find interesting items suitable for all price ranges.
Inventory at Outside Inn will change with the seasons, adds Czajka.
Pieces range from beautiful to irreverent, with a distinct sense of fun to many of the stores offerings.
‘We can make life beautiful,? said Czajka, ‘and make it fun.?
Outside Inn is open Monday-Thursday, 9:30 a.m.- 7 p.m., Friday 9:30 a.m.- 5 p.m., Saturday 10 a.m.- 4 p.m. and Sunday 11 a.m.- 3 p.m.