Planting New Seeds for Another Generation
By Darlene Mae O’Connor
Spring is a perfectly appropriate time of the year to be sharing with readers the story of another inspired and blooming business planted here in the hills of Jamestown, NY. This organically conceived project has grown and then out grown its original location while the original business plan has expanded to enrich other local: businesses, family- owned farms, crafters, artists and artisans.
Spring is the time of year when an equatorial shift occurs extending the number of hours of daylight and it is marked by the gradual increase of temperatures in a specific region. Together these changes encourage new growth and a rebirth of that which was lying dormant. A time when even the “old is new again”. Revival! Simply Amazing Spring!
The Gen Xer’s and the Millennials are the forces of nature behind the winds of “New Life” and “Revitalization” blowing into the towns and cities across Chautauqua and Cattaraugus Counties. These entrepreneurs of creative genius and diverse interconnectedness are radically committed to the future health of this corner of New York State in terms of: economic growth and opportunity, ecological health and sustainability and the stability of the socio-political environment. The collective mind set of these forward-thinking business people is rooted in the shared belief in and practice of, sourcing locally in every way possible. By offering a convenient and exciting venue for buyers and sellers of local goods: grown, created or crafted by local farmers, artists and artisans’ numbers of community members benefit and the local economy grows. Many area farms and businesses have been handed down through generations and from family to family. Similarly, the traditions of fine workmanship by area artists, crafters and artisans have been handed down and for those who will come behind applying the same pride and care to their craft, they too will flourish. These home -grown innovators are today’s leaders in commerce. They understand the necessity for local businesses to cooperate with and support one another. Understanding the more seeds planted in fertile soil, the greater the number of opportunities for sustainable growth and future business development. The vision of revival of our once brilliant and bustling downtown is easy to see if you look through the lens of these talented and inspiring individuals.
Ryan Peterson, Brandon Triscari and Bill Thompson were the original partners that started the BIODOME PROJECT. First conceived as a place to hydroponically grow starter plants for indoor décor and herbs for customers interested in growing herb gardens, it wasn’t long before they were branching out and making available to their customers everything necessary to successfully grow and maintain their gardens and houseplants. Early on they purchased property together. There they started growing fresh produce to sell at the Saturday Downtown Jamestown Farmers Market and like a well-tended garden will grow, so did the well-tended business of the BIODOME PROJECT. They began helping other growers, crafters and purveyors of locally sourced products by introducing them at the market and in their growing store front / gallery. They were bursting at the seams so when the opportunity to go big or bigger…
Ryan, having previously worked for Pete Scheira, {yes, the same Pete from The Villager’s recent Skatepark feature, March 31, Issue 13}. Pete is a gift that keeps on giving and Ryan knew he had just bought the building that is now the home of Jamestown Skate Products and Jungle Skate Park. His purchase included the building all the way to the corner of Pine and Second Street and this was more space than Pete needed, but exactly what Ryan and Brandon needed to expand their operations. It was a perfect fit. As their space grew, so did the number of local vendors availing themselves to this innovative and supportive approach to business. Offering even more locally grown and organic products by increasing space for crafters and artists to display their wares, served to grow their customer base and interest in their business model.
After securing grant monies for property improvemmens including money for storefront enhancement, floor to ceiling windows were installed at the front of the building and they couldn’t be more perfectly suited for a hydroponic plant store. Stop in and see you will have to agree the 20 feet high wall of window is beautifully adorned by a labyrinth of pvc pipe sprouting any number of lush green plants that would add flare to any room in the home. The abundance of natural sunlight shines through the window providing for photosynthesis while the soil is kept moist via the water trickling through the pipes. All systems “A Grow” creating a work of “Living Art”.
Inside plants are growing all around while the many shelves throughout the store display an array of something more. Pottery and various fine works of art all created by local artists and crafters available for purchase. You can find handcrafted Macrame plant hangers, crotched shawls, locally loomed textiles and one-of a-kind garments. Fine hand-crafted jewelry and locally sourced honey, jams and preserves, fine oils for cooking and fresh locally grown produce.
Bill now has a print shop in the back of the store and his designs are on select apparel sold there.
Deserea Klemens is sister to partner Brandon Triscari and she is the designated shop keeper. She works most of the hours the store is open and she seems to know every customer by name. She can share success stories of other businesses that were launched because the BIODOMME PROJECT gave them access to the community. She knows the history of the PROJECT, as well as the products they vend and the stories behind them. When I spoke with Ryan, he made a point of the Project half of their name. Their business approach is fluid and transparent. They protect the integrity of their vendors and their products offered in the store, and they welcome fresh ideas and one-of-a-kind works of art. I asked him if they struggled through the pandemic, but it seems loyal customers, dependable local vendors and delivery service throughout the community, kept them and keeps them ‘Growing”.
I feel privileged to be given the opportunity for sharing these amazing stories about creative commerce, and the earth conscience entrepreneurs who aspire to share with all who will come, the incredible talent and insightful resilience of the people who live in our Enchanted City.
For that one -of- a kind shopping experience, a lesson on growing plants indoors or out, or if it’s original works of art you seek or wearable custom designs, the BIODOME PROJECT and Art Gallery is the next place you should go. They are located at 207 Pine St. in Downtown Jamestown and their phone number is 716-294-0582.
To learn more, check them out on Facebook or go to their website: biodomeprojectcom.
Spring is in the air and the buzz is all about the BIODOME PROJECT JAMESTOWN NY