New business opens in Ferguson

FERGUSON, Mo. — In recent years, more and more stores have opened in downtown Ferguson.

Although the city has experienced great growth, it hasn’t always grown that way.

Ferguson Mayor Ella Jones said South Florissant Road used to be a “chaos”.

“Ferguson is thriving right now, and I’m excited about that,” Jones said. “If you go down South Florissant Road, you’ll see Yummy’s, The Hive, Kathy’s Kitchen. Elicious is new.”

Jones told Five on Your Side that 19 new businesses have opened on South Florissant Road in the past two years.

In early January, Juanita Thompson opened two businesses: Yummie Nutrition and Blend Boutique.

“The community definitely came out. My grand opening was great. It was packed here,” Thompson said.

As a Black female business owner, Thompson hopes to set an example for others.

“I’m proud to be black. I’m proud to be a woman. I’m proud to be able to show women that it can be done. I’m proud that we can work hard and give You can get anything you want if you stick to it. It just takes some patience and dedication,” Thompson said.

She runs the only health and wellness business in Ferguson that offers a variety of healthy drinks.

“There’s a big stigma that being healthy is bad, so I’m trying to blend the two and make people happy and healthy,” Thompson said.

At her boutique, you can have a drink while shopping. The boutique has a little something for everyone, including her T-shirts dedicated to Black History Month.

Business is so booming in Ferguson that there are only a few empty seats left in the city.

“This speaks volumes that we are doing what it takes to attract businesses here in Ferguson and keep businesses here in Ferguson,” Jones said.

Jones and Thompson want to remind people to support local to keep north St. Louis County businesses afloat.

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