Ten small businesses. Ten big dreams. The 2025 Batavia Boardwalk Shops have officially opened for the season — and this year’s lineup is as bold and culturally rich as ever.

Now in its sixth season, the Boardwalk Shop program continues to grow in both reach and impact. Designed to give emerging entrepreneurs a low-risk launchpad in downtown Batavia, the program also offers something that’s more difficult to attain: a community that roots for you.

“It helps create community pride,” said Kristen Densler, Assistant Director of Batavia MainStreet in a recent episode of the Area Code: Batavia podcast. “It’s something unique and different, but we are also a very inclusive community. The Boardwalk Shops provide a platform for new businesses to experience that, to feel the energy of Batavia.”

This season’s shop owners come from all over the region, but they share a deep passion for what they do — and a hope that Batavia might be the latest chapter in a long, successful story.

Here’s what else the podcast taught us about each business: 

Stitched by Stephanie: For owner Stephanie Longoria, crochet is more than craft — it’s a way of building confidence.

“My goal is to build a community of crocheters that don’t feel shy about expressing their creative sides,” said the 21-year-old, who began crocheting at age 10.

She aims for her products to be accessible and bring joy to people who want to try something new. Not only is she connecting people through the craft, but her handmade plushies and crocheted creations will be showcased in the storefront.

Giron Guatemalan Apparel: Valeska Giron and her husband Manuel blend two identities — Guatemalan and Chicagoan — into a colorful collection of handmade apparel and home goods.

Now operating out of a studio near the United Center, they bring their heritage to Batavia in conversation, craft and coffee.

“We were tired of seeing our culture misrepresented,” Giron said. “So we created something that didn’t exist — we want to educate people. We want to have cultural conversations with people.”

Alongside handmade goods, they’ll be serving freshly brewed Guatemalan coffee in the shop this season. 

Tabletop Game Shop: While operating their Boardwalk pop-up, owners Nick Vidmar & Frank Behm Jr.  are also preparing to open a permanent storefront just two blocks away on South Van Buren Street.

Known for hosting tournaments and community events at their Tinley Park flagship, these gaming aficionados are eager to bring the same energy to Batavia.

“We want people to be so happy that they keep coming back,” Nick said. “The Boardwalk Shop, the stores, our whole model is customer satisfaction.” 

The shop carries board games, trading cards, miniatures and gaming accessories for players of all ages and experience levels.

Pet Wants: After a decade in logistics, owner Jaclynn Berna shifted gears — and industries — to focus on animal wellness. Her store specializes in fresh, all-natural pet food and custom diets.

“When I saw the Boardwalk Shops on Instagram, it reminded me of a cozy downtown,” Berna said. “It just seems like a really tight-knit community. I wanted to be a part of it.”

She hopes to open a second location in Batavia, where she sees a need for a neighborhood shop dedicated to pet health. The shop also offers treats, chews and supplements, all designed to help pets live healthier lives.

Scout + Gem: Returning for its second season, this jewelry and home décor shop run by Stacy Miller is known for bringing statement style to everyday wear.

Their collection is both edgy and approachable — a nice fit for shoppers looking for bold pieces that don’t break the bank.

Scout + Gem’s curated items blend individuality, affordability, and style in a way that invites customers to express themselves with ease.

Jaclyn Sue Boutique: Owner Jaclyn Wilhelmi is turning a lifelong dream into reality. After four years of running her boutique online, she’s bringing her clothing, shoes and accessories to life in public with a real storefront.

“Fashion shows off your personality and makes you feel good,” Wilhelmi said. “The Boardwalk Shops mean a lot to me — everyone gets to show off their own personalities and what they enjoy doing.” 

The boutique features fun, trendy fashion for all body types, with a mission to help every shopper feel confident.

Jodi Mac Sweets & Treats: A returning favorite from 2024, Jodi MacDiarmid-Nasser’s shop is packed with freeze-dried candy, chocolate-dipped snacks, cotton candy and toys. She credits the Boardwalk Shops program for giving her a strong sense of community. 

“Last year, the other tenants were like a close-knit family,” she said. “I wanted to come back and cement what I established.”

She’s also expanding her offerings this season to include whimsical children’s toys alongside her sweet treats.

A Rooted Home: Michelle Krol blends visual storytelling and interior design to make everyday moments feel special. A writer and mother of five, she sees home as a grounding space — and helps customers bring peace and personality into theirs. 

“Your home should be a safe place to land,” Krol said. “It could be a cozy little spot, the way a room makes you feel or a scent. It’s about bringing all of those things together.” 

Krol’s shop features timeless, heirloom-quality goods with a warm and inviting style. She also offers design services to help guide folks in crafting their perfect home. 

AHA Kapeh Traditional Bread: Run by Carolina Diaz and her tight-knit family team, this bakery offers a global spread: Mexican conchas, Japanese dorayakis, German Black Forest cake and more — many of them gluten-free, vegan or sugar-free.

“This is the beginning of something great,” said Carolina’s daughter. “I believe we will open many bakeries and this is just the start.”

With a focus on scratch-made, culturally inspired pastries, AHA Kapeh offers a little something for everyone.

Kumba’s African Market: Owner Teta Porter brings a rich cultural heritage and a powerful personal story to Batavia. Named for her grandmother, Kumba’s offers African and Caribbean fashion, food and home goods.

“I come from a war-torn country. Business kept us going,” Porter said. “My grandmother taught me business, and now that she’s gone, I want to keep up her legacy.”

At Porter’s shop you’ll find handcrafted and imported items that reflect bold craftsmanship and celebrate unique cultural traditions. 

Carrying on a tradition 

Each of these shops carries more than products — they carry perspective. And year after year, the Boardwalk Shops program has proven that when small businesses are given space to grow, big things can follow. 

Just ask the alumni who now have permanent shops in Batavia, Geneva, Elgin and other nearby communities, including Arlo.Hendrix, Thrown Threads, Seapeak Style, Gather Bakery, Neighborsgrid and more.

➡️ To meet this year’s entrepreneurs and hear their full stories in their own words, listen to the latest episode of Area Code: Batavia, hosted by the multi-talented Richard Clark. 

➡️ You can also check out local real estate expert Chris Wallace’s Instagram video showcasing five of the business owners. 

📖 Thanks for reading

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