Looking for Custom and Locally Made? Shop Channing’s Customs & Co.!

Channing Fraker is no stranger to a challenge. After leaving the healthcare industry, she decided to start a small business in custom goods and creations by attending vendor shows and renting a space along Hwy 146. As she embarked on the next steps of her exciting entrepreneurial journey, she saw an opportunity — to establish her unique retail store on 4th Avenue! Today, she celebrates her one year anniversary in Grinnell and re-opening of her business, Channing’s Customs & Co., with a ribbon cutting!

The store is colorful and beautiful, with an array of sparkling earrings and greeting cards, tempting children’s toys, Iowa-pride clothing, and stunning home decor. Since 2022, Channing has been known for her custom work, like her signature handpaintings (which you may have spotted already on her store windows), custom wedding and baby gifts, and vinyl designs. And when you enter her store, you can spot her personal touches — from her interior design to her lovely mural next to her register.

As a maker and creator, she was all too familiar with selling her original works at craft shows and market spaces — in fact, she will host the Roots to River Market in October, held in Iowa County! Often, she would drag her stuff onto a truck and unload them wherever she would sell, a hard enough process in itself. 

After Channing became pregnant, she decided to pivot into the lifestyle of a flexible business owner — where else but downtown Grinnell? 

But when her doors opened back up in April, Channing realized she needed some help filling the space. So what better way to do that than to bring in other makers and creators she’s worked with? Currently, her store carries products from 10 Iowa-sourced, local business owners — and she’s always open to new opportunities and partnerships.

Channing, who is originally from Williamsburg, Iowa, carries cups, earrings, fragrances, and more from Williamsburg vendors; she also carries unique items, including a skincare line from Beth Hoopes, PharmD, from Lettes, Iowa. But she has made space for Grinnell vendors, too. The barrel tables that display her vendor products and custom works are done by Stephen Pierce, owner of Pierce Revival Co. Channing also carries greeting cards from Grinnellian Diane Carnine, and sells colorful children’s toys courtesy of Taylor Wilhelm, formerly with Sissy and Scooters. 

“I love giving people the opportunity to display their things and support small businesses without them having to load and unload their stuff like I used to,” says Channing. Soon, she will also develop an online presence, and plans to release boutique clothing as another store product.
 
“The community has been overwhelmingly positive,” says Channing of her time since opening. And she’s been a positive addition to the community, too! She has already launched a 3-month event series named “4th Fridays on 4th” to encourage shopping locally and support other small businesses around her. Like her grand opening a few months ago, she will have live music, refreshing lemonade drinks, and special products, like sourdough goodies! 

“The J months — June and July — are always so hard for retailers,” says Channing, “so I wanted to host something to encourage bringing people downtown.” Her next 4th Friday on 4th is 5-7 PM on July 25, so don’t miss it! This month, she will have a charm bracelet decorating as a special in-store activity.

As Channing continues to make large strides within her business, she has nothing but cheerleaders in her corner. “She does an awesome job,” says her husband, Devon. “When people come in, they like Channing immediately.” Channing’s mother-in-law is also very proud of how Channing has been flourishing in her new role as a business owner. “To see how far she’s grown in the last two and a half years is remarkable,” she shared. 

Support local and visit Channing’s Customs and Co. during your next trip to downtown — there is something for everyone! Oh — and don’t be surprised if you’re greeted by one of her children when you stop in!

Chamber Ambassadors

Chamber ambassadors who attended this ribbon-cutting include the following individuals, from left to right:

• Nikki Armstead
  Grinnell Chamber
• Brandy Virchow
  B Nicole Salon 
• Yesenia Mozo
  Grinnell Chamber
• Joni Schmidt
  The Mayflower Community
• Rachel Arseneault
  Ramsey-Weeks Inc. Real Estate
• Monica St. Angelo
  Grinnell Area Arts Council
• Ryan Beckman
  Beckman Gallery & Gifts
• Blake Pearson
  Converge Chiropractic
• Ashley Symbol
  First State Bank
• Trent Arment
  MCG - Mahaska Communication Group
• Lori Vos
  Loraleis Giftshoppe
• Devon Fraker & kids
  Channing’s Customs & Co. 
• Joe Bagnoli
  Grinnell College
• Kody Bigelow
  WalMart Grinnell
• Channing Fraker
  Channing’s Customs & Co. 
• Sandy Kriegel
  Channing’s Customs & Co.
• Brooke Holder
  Poweshiek County Public Health
• Donna Fischer
  UnityPoint Health - Grinnell Regional Medical Center Foundation
• Donnette Ellis
  Grinnell College
• Lisa Cirks
  Cirks Financial Services
• Jessica Dawson
  RE/MAX Partners Realty
• Matt Moyer
  Bayer Crop Science
• Sarah Smith
  Grinnell College
• Fran Conn