Downtown areas like Weston used to be the center of everything. Whether it was furniture, food, hardware, haircuts, or shoes one could find everything they needed by walking and shopping the main drag. Over time, downtowns have changed, fallen into disarray, or become ghost towns in extreme situations.
Transportation, floods, lack of jobs and many other reasons are the cause for these things to happen, and when a downtown is left with nearly nothing, it is difficult to bring it back, if not impossible. Maybe, though, that downtown of yesteryear is never meant to come back, which only leaves room for growth of new businesses and a new identity.
This is starting to happen in Weston, and with the addition of its latest business, Aura Spa, I started to think about how after a very stagnant period, things are starting to come alive again. While there are not nearly as many businesses based on a person’s or family’s needs like there used to be, there are businesses that cater to other types of needs and wants.
Aura Spa is one of those and makes it easy for people who may not have time to go out of the county for holistic services to receive an actual spa day, whether it’s a full package or just a facial. I am not one to seek out these types of services normally. But now that Aura Spa is just down the street, it is more convenient and fits into my schedule much better.
In fact I have already been, and my compliments to owner Nikayla Adams-Lowther. Beyond just being well educated and trained, she is just 20 years old and a Lewis County High School graduate. She is exactly the type of person we need and want to change that landscape and make the downtown area vibrant again. That is true in Weston and Jane Lew.
Chances are that we will never again see those grocery stores, clothing stores and hardware stores lining the street again. Those days are behind us. What we do see, and will see, is a downtown that is filled with businesses that provide us different options to just have a good day.
That good day could be filled with a visit to Aura Spa, Roshell’s, Caplan’s, TALA, MAGWV, Curated, and the many other businesses located within walking distance of one another. Let’s not forget those wonderful restaurants, either. We do love a good meal, and they are ready to serve.
The other takeaway from this is these are all locally owned businesses that are deserving of our support. They are working so hard to provide what services they offer and there is really something special about walking into these businesses and being greeted warmly and by people that we probably know and some we consider friends.
Check out Aura Spa if you have not already done so. Nikayla will make you feel comfortable and relaxed. She is a bright spot and let’s make her a success story along with our other local businesses.
It will never be what it was, but Weston can be, and is, a place worth getting to know again.
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