Fit in Downtown Frederick

Work outs are anything but boring at Primed. "Most aren’t aware how liberating and stress releasing slamming a tire with a sledge hammer can be,” says Greg Tymon, owner of Primed Fitness, located at 103 S Carroll St.  At Primed, clients work closely with Tymon to reach their fitness goals using a variety of methods and equipment. Tymon uses his passion for helping people meet their goals and his expertise to coach clients.  After finishing his advanced degree and working in chiropractic offices performing rehabilitation services, Tymon began personal training on a part-time basis. Soon, he was able to turn his passion into a full-time career. 

Attracted by the lively and historic nature of Downtown Frederick, Greg has also come to appreciate a shorter commute and other perks. “After years of driving up to 500 miles per week, I love jogging or riding my bicycle to work.  I also enjoy working a few blocks from my favorite eye doctor, and partner, Maria Higgins.”

Frederick Faces

XOXO

Walking into Smooch! Studio, located at 8 N East Street at Everedy Square, is like walking into any makeup lover’s dream. There are bright colors, sparkles and, of course, stations set up for creating and experimenting with eye shadows, lip glosses, foundations, and more. At Smooch!, the focus is as much on empowering women as it is having fun with makeup. Nicole and Kendra, owners and founders of Smooch!, use makeup and skincare as tools to instill confidence in their clients.  They also try to help women find enjoyment in their beauty regimens, “our goal was to take the guesswork out and put the fun back in. When you say, ‘I’ll never be able to…’ we like to prove you wrong!”

Nicole and Kendra started Smooch! in 2008, combining their passion for makeup and female empowerment with their business smarts.  The pair of businesswomen never thought twice about the first location of their growing business,  “we absolutely adore Downtown Frederick…we feel lucky and blessed to be a part of this vibrant, growing community.” 

Having recently celebrated their fourth anniversary, the ladies of Smooch! are looking forward to even more fun in their fifth year. “Every day is like a party at Smooch! Come in person and catch the vibe. It’s addicting!”

Frederick Faces

All in the Family

“It’s all about family” according to Anne Goodwin.  Originally from West Chester, NY where she held a “typical nine to five in the corporate world,” Goodwin owns and operates Flights of Fancy with her husband, Mike, and her daughter, Jennifer.  Mixing business with family is nothing new for the Goodwins—Mike and Anne first met while working for the same company in New York.  With something for everyone—from fine jewelry to play toys to stationary—Anne enjoys offering a family-like experience to her customers and looks forward to the repeat customers and their families returning year after year. 

Goodwin not only enjoys the family-driven atmosphere in her store, but also the camaraderie among store owners in Downtown Frederick.  “We all look out for each other,” said Goodwin, noting that even businesses that compete with each other are friendly and helpful to one another; “our downtown is a really special place.”

Downtown Frederick Rocks

At just 8-years old, Richard Bailey realized his true passion when he opened his first retail operation, selling rocks from his collection on a card table outside of his childhood home in Dallas, Texas.  Bailey has come a long way from his front yard set-up, but his passion and excitement for rocks and minerals remains.  A geologist by degree, Bailey has worked in the oil and gas industry, as a project manager for the rebuilding of Poplar Island, and has even spent time as a boat captain.  Today, he owns and operates Earthly Elements on North Market St., the only rock shop in the state of Maryland. 

At Earthly Elements, it’s about more than just selling rocks.  Bailey frequently hosts school groups and scouts for in-store geology talks.  He enjoys sparking the interest of young minds through topics other than television and video games, noting that young visitors are especially captivated by dinosaur eggs and meteorites.  “[Students] come here and get lessons in chemistry, math and physics without even realizing it.” 

Whether you’re looking for a gift for a friend, décor for your home, or an addition to your mineral collection, Earthly Elements offers “something for everyone”- a true Downtown Frederick gem! 

Seeing Clearly on Patrick Street

After a long hunt for a new city in which to reside, Dr. Maria Higgins found her answer rather unexpectedly. Thanks to a recommendation made by a 16-year old kid in a bike store, Higgins, owner of Unique Optique, landed in Downtown Frederick nearly 2 years ago.  Struck by downtown’s unique character, walkability, and the support available for local businesses, Higgins sold her optometry practice in Pittsburgh and opened up shop on West Patrick Street.

At Unique Optique, Higgins aims to create an experience that’s more fun, comfortable and happy than your average eye exam.  Her storefront is optometry meets creativity and style; where works of local artists hang among displays of eye glasses and customers are encouraged to step into the shop’s photo booth after picking out their new specs. What does Dr. Maria find most rewarding about her job?  “I love the moment when someone puts on their new glasses and finally sees what they've been missing.”

Frederick Faces

Get it Downtown - Frederick Faces

There’s no doubt about it—Downtown Frederick is a special place. We are known for our picturesque streets, robust arts community and eclectic mix of shops and restaurants.  Most recently, Downtown Frederick was named a “Best Small Town Comeback in America” by CNN and one of the “Prettiest Painted Places in America."   Behind all of this are the dedicated, passionate and unique people who tirelessly contribute to the success of Downtown Frederick. 

As a tribute to the community that we are lucky enough to work with on a daily basis, we bring you Get it Downtown - Frederick Faces, a weekly series of merchant profiles.  These people—whether they stand behind the counter at the boutique down the street, manage your favorite restaurant or own your go-to gift shop—truly make Downtown Frederick special. We hope you enjoy.

Spring Time

As all of us begin our annual pining for spring and warm weather and long lunches outside, I am reminded of one of my favorite new spring time events – Bring a Broom Saturday.  Last year, we (the Partnership and NAC 11) organized our first ever Downtown Frederick cleanup.  We all had a fantastic time picking up trash.  Yes, as crazy as that sounds, picking up garbage can be great fun.  At the post event pizza party (go Brewer’s Alley for the generous donation last year and again this year), the 100+ volunteers all were sharing the stories of the work they had completed and their pride in their accomplishments.  While we organizers were feeling a bit winded by a busy morning, the buzz in the room had us rejuvenated and ready for more.  And boy did Downtown Frederick look good!  It was the perfect kick off to a great spring in Downtown Frederick.  Sound like fun?  Join us this year on April 27 and do good.