Billie Rose Craft Shack
Marsha will be running the Billie Rose Craft Shack and has always dabbled in crafts. She started making homemade goat milk soap and natural beauty/health/cleaning supplies. She expanded into crafts with the Cricut, then Lasering cups, wood phone cases, and signs. Embroidering hats, logo wear, personalizing items. She added Sublimation and a White Toner printer and has outgrown her “Shack” in the backyard. Moving into the store, she will be able to add Screen Printing to the list of products offered.
Lisa is the financial expert of the business. She is a CPA with over 25 years of experience working with business and personal tax returns, bookkeeping, and financials. She has worked in government, corporate, public, and non-profit accounting settings. Lisa is active in the Wichita fine arts community, serving on the board of the Wichita Grand Opera. She enjoys playing mahjong and attending Shocker basketball games in her off time. Lisa has tried to retire several times but so far has been a “Retirement Fail.” She recently bought a Camper and will ease into retirement by traveling but can still work remotely. She also has started making the Freeze-Dried Candy for the Store.
We feel and hope The Mulvane Mercantile will bring business to downtown Mulvane and create great family experiences, keeping with the traditions of our Small Town Vibes.
The Building
Our new home is in the iconic 201 W. Main building in the heart of Mulvane, KS, a testament to our town's rich past and dynamic future. This building is not merely a structure; it's a living archive of stories from a time gone by, a landmark whose past offers the perfect setting for our present endeavors.
In the 1800s, this site played host to the very first mercantile - Robinson Brothers’ Mercantile. Opening its doors for the first time in May 1800, this establishment stood proudly on the north side of Main Street.
Throughout the years, it offered an array of goods to the community, from groceries and dry goods in its early days to an impressive collection of clothing on the second floor in the 1890s. The Robinson legacy lingered on the location well into the 20th century; however, in 1957, the Robinson Grocery shut its doors for the final time.
The subsequent decades brought a variety of businesses to this historic site.
Today, as the new proprietors of The Mulvane Mercantile and Billie Rose Craft Shack, we—Michelle Mize, Marsha Caruthers, and Marsha's mother, Lisa Klaskin—are proud to write the next chapter in this remarkable building's story. We've breathed new life into the historic location, transforming it into a hub for local art, creativity, and commerce.
As you step into The Mulvane Mercantile and Billie Rose Craft Shack, you'll find a carefully curated selection of local gifts, unique art, and charming home decor, all nestled within the beautifully restored walls of our historic building. Each item has been handpicked to spotlight the incredible talent of our local artisans and share the passion, creativity, and local pride that make our store so special.