Click below to listen to the full conversation between 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck and Karen Cunningham of Simply Audrey
Welcome to “Thriving in Orange!” A monthly segment presented by Orange County Economic Development, “Thriving in Orange” features conversations with local business owners about what it’s like to live and work in Orange County, especially in light of the county’s small business grant program which launched in 2015 and has helped small businesses and small business owners with well over $100,000 in grants each year!
This month, 97.9 The Hill’s Aaron Keck has a conversation with Karen Cunningham, proprietor of Simply Audrey! Named for Karen’s daughter, Audrey, the shop thrives on Franklin as a not-quite-consignment store featuring hand-picked designer pieces in a curated collection.
“What I do is I hand pick designer pieces — so every single piece in my shop I have seen, I have touched, I have purchased outright, and it’s kind of walking into a little sample sale,” said Cunningham. “It’s high-end designer clothing, not at high-end prices because I seek them out. And then, also, I like to try and find all sizes. I found that, being a tall woman myself, sometimes it was hard to find, the sizes. So, I like to be inclusive in that way, as well.”
As Simply Audrey bounces back from the fire that affected Franklin Street businesses in 2023, with assistance from Orange County’s small business grant program, Cunningham encourages any and everyone to stop by and see what’s on offer — from fine vintage pieces to regular wine tastings and cross-pollination with neighboring businesses, there’s plenty to be part of!
“I just really want people to feel like they can come into our store and no matter if they purchase anything or not, they’re gonna have a great experience,” said Cunningham. “If people are looking for something specific, I will find it for them. Just come stop by, you’ll love it!”
Listen above for the full conversation!
Aaron Keck and Karen Cunningham
In partnership with Orange County Economic Development, 97.9 The Hill presents “Thriving in Orange!” A monthly conversation discussing Orange County’s small business grant program, which began in 2015 and provides $150,000 in small business support each year to local businesses. Find more information about the program here, as well as guidelines for application to receive support from the grant and thrive in Orange!
You can find more conversations like this in the “Thriving in Orange” archive on Chapelboro, and each month in a special segment airing on 97.9 The Hill!
