Farmhouse 1834 honored with Main Street award

Farmhouse 1834, a boutique specializing in vintage-inspired home goods and handcrafted items at 309 S. Broadway St. in Medina, has been honored with the 2025 Retail Business of the Year Award by Main Street Medina. "We are surprised by the award," said Lynn Bracic, who co-owns the business with Despina P. Simons. "We didn't know we won (the award) until George Sam, executive director of Main Street Medina, emailed me." The idea for the shop grew out of a love of decorating and curating unique home items, Bracic said. What began as a small operation quickly gained popularity among customers drawn to its rustic aesthetic and personalized touch. "We started this together as a way to share something we loved," Bracic said. "It really came from wanting to create a welcoming space where people could find meaningful pieces for their homes." The business initially opened with Bracic's daughter, Jennifer Kanaba, in Olmsted Falls during the COVID-19 pandemic, a challenging time for many small businesses. Despite uncertainty, Farmhouse 1834 built a loyal customer base through its selection of farmhouse-style décor, seasonal items and locally sourced goods. Kanaba went on to pursue other interests. As demand grew, Bracic and Simons sought a larger space and relocated to the 2,285-square-foot store in Medina. The move allowed the business to build inventory and further develop relationships with local artisans and vendors. Bracic, a Bay Village resident, and Simons, an Elyria resident, selected Medina for their venture because the community offers the "fit they were going for." Besides, Bracic said, Main Street Medina aggressively promotes the community and small businesses. "There is almost no week or weekend that goes by without some event taking place," she said. Farmhouse 1834 emphasizes community engagement, featuring handcrafted products and hosting events that encourage customers to connect with local makers. The shop's curated displays and rotating seasonal collections reflect its focus on creating a distinctive shopping experience. Bracic said the business remains grounded in its original mission of family collaboration and community connection."Our goal has always been to create something special together," she said. "We want customers to feel at home when they walk through the door." Jacob Meyers is a journalism student at John Carroll University.