KYN: The Sleepy Sparrow Joins Lincoln Park Craft District

DULUTH, Minn. — Nestled in the Lincoln Park Craft District, The Sleepy Sparrow is eager to open its doors, after a long process of refurbishing the space.

“This building is the old VFW building. When I got this space, it was a hot mess. And we had to redo the ceilings, the floors. Everything that you see in here is refinished by us. And we got to make it how we wanted it,” said Sleepy Sparrow owner, Kayla Leveille.

And with starting this business, it’s been a lifelong dream for Leveille.

“I just came to a crossroads in the spring. And it was either go work for somebody else, or start my dream,” said Leveille.

For a while, everyday life put her dream on the back burner.

“I’m a single mom to five kids, so I do a lot. And I kind of thought this was never going to happen, till they were up and out of the house. Right now, they range from 5-16. And so, I’m a busy lady. But they all love coming in here and helping me,” said Leveille.

The store has a wide variety of products, that caters to a large number of shoppers.

“We sell bags, we sell clothing, we sell kind of a little bit of something for everyone. There are so many things, that even usually people on their way out the door is still being like ‘Oh my gosh, I didn’t see this. This is cute!’, said Leveille

The goal for The Sleepy Sparrow, to be a safe, inclusive space for all shoppers.

“You know when you’re bored, or maybe you’re just having a bad day, and you need to treat yourself? You don’t necessarily need to buy anything, but you just go to your favorite place, and you walk around, and it just gives you peace. And it just makes you happy. And that’s the vibe I’m looking for,” smiled Leveille.

Another thing The Sleepy Sparrow specializes in, lots of fair trade and ethically sourced items.

“So, there is a brand that I just found called “wear the peace” it is from Chicago. And they really support like refugees, and Palestine. And so, they have a clothing line that we carry here that I love. There’s also International and 10 Thousand Villages, and they do a lot of fair trade from African countries, from Asian countries, Eastern European, things like that,” said Leveille.

A message Leveille has for everyone, to tackle your dreams and to just go for it.

“I’m proud to be able to show my kids, that you can do stuff through hard work. And that you don’t need to wait in life to chase your dreams,” beamed Leveille.

The Sleepy Sparrow will have a grand opening celebration Thursday, November 21st from 5-7 PM.

Their neighbor, Duluth Cider, will be handing out refreshments at the store, and prizes will be handed out.