In honor of Small Business Saturday, the Lighthouse District wants to share with you a story of one of our own beloved business owners and community members, Kim Lawson.
Kim has experienced significant health challenges this fall, and we encourage you to stop by her shop, Fashion Trade. on Nov. 25, 11am-5pm, and Nov. 26, 2pm-5pm, and show your support, both personal and financial, during her recovery. (Shop for a good cause!) Read more below.
Running a small business is a journey filled with challenges, and through the years Kim Lawson, the owner of Fashion Trade, a vintage fashion shop at 554 Lighthouse Avenue in Monterey, has faced those challenges head-on, often navigating the shop with minimal assistance.
However, life took an unexpected turn when Kim, active and in good health, experienced a heart attack. Subsequent heart attacks, attributed to a rare heart condition, led to open heart surgery.
In the face of adversity, the true heart of the community shone through. Members of the Rotary Club of Carmel Valley, of which Kim is a proud member, rallied around her. During her hospital stay in October and subsequent recovery, they selflessly stepped in to keep Fashion Trade alive, opening the store on weekends and ensuring the daily tasks were seamlessly handled.
The Rotarians are doing this because Kim Lawson is not just a talented businesswoman; she is a compassionate and vibrant soul who welcomes everyone with her engaging smile. Her resilience in business mirrors her strength in confronting health challenges. What sets her apart is her unwavering kindness toward others. Known for lending a helping hand and being a supportive listener, Kim actively participates in community service. A U.S. Army veteran, she is involved in multiple service-oriented organizations, making a positive impact through various events and initiatives.
Kim breathed life into Fashion Trade and its charming little yellow storefront on Lighthouse Avenue, curating a haven for fashion enthusiasts and offering a unique blend of special occasion attire and casual wear for both men and women since buying the shop a number of years ago.
Let's support Kim and her friends in this challenging time, and wish her a speedy recovery. Her prognosis is good, and we can't wait to see her smiling face back in Monterey's Lighthouse District when she's feeling better.
