Bungalow 26 Kelsey metzinger

ECLECTIC GOODS FOR BATH, BODY AND HOME

Kelsey Metzinger began making homemade soaps and lotions in high school with her sister, Kimberly Christopher.

“We inherited our mom’s creativity and were always deconstructing things, including luxury body and bath things we wanted but couldn’t afford,” Metzinger said.

The sisters continued experimenting into adulthood, discovering that soybean oil was a component of a popular salt scrub they liked.

“We realized that many ingredients used in food were also used in the cosmetic industry, and our experimentation led to making lotions, lip balms and other beauty products,” she said.

New Direction

Metzinger originally attended college to become a fashion illustrator but quit school when she felt the degree she was pursuing would push her into a career path of teaching art or working in graphic design.

“I loved shopping and I loved retail, so that’s what I did instead,” she said. “Every job I ever had involved creating visual displays and merchandising and allowed me to express my creativity and get paid for it.”

As a side hustle, she arranged wedding flowers and recommended painting options for friends’ places, developing a word-of-mouth reputation as a design consultant.

“I have always kept journals and made lists. I remember writing down that I would open a business by the time I turned 30,” she said. “I thought 30 was the make-or-break age. I visualized the lines I’d carry, the things I’d make, and the colors I’d have in my store. I didn’t tell other people about my dream until I put it on paper. There’s ego involved when you finally write it down and it becomes a goal.”

She took a class through the Small Business Development Center at Wichita State University and became energized by conversations she had with instructors and classmates while completing a business plan.

“I asked a lot of questions and connected with others and found the process helpful, especially around loans,” she said.

Before and after launching Bungalow 26 in 2006, Metzinger sought advice from other entreprenuers. When she made missteps, she corrected quickly.

“I originally wanted to sell furniture and I got a building that was too large with high overhead, so I was able to get out of my lease and get a smaller building in the Delano District and that really saved my business,” she said.

BUNGALOW-STYLE

Metzinger captured her lifelong affinity for bungalow-style homes in the store’s name.

“I wanted a name that would envelop the structure of the business and the contents all being something someone would put in a home to make daily living more comfortable,” she said. “Even though we didn’t have a lot of money when I was growing up, my mom was good at painting and tinkering and trying to make our home nice. I also take pride in my little nest. I’m a homebody and I want to be in love with my surroundings, and I want to provide my customers with products that can make it happen for them too.”

Luck Of 26

Born on Jan. 26, Metzinger knew the shop’s name would need to reflect her lucky number.

“Twenty-six has followed me around in strange ways,” she said. “My employee number was 26 for two different jobs, and I was 26 when I wrote down my decision to open a store. And then I opened Bungalow 26 in 2006.”

ECLECTIC GOODS FOR BATH, BODY AND HOME

The lifestyle boutique’s tagline is “eclectic goods for bath, body and home” and Metzinger, ever mindful of her aspirational teenage yearnings and budget constraints, strives to offer price points within reach for the products she makes herself and those she sources from Europe and other places.

“I have customers who come in every week because I sell things they like and use every day for pampering,” she said. “If you need hand lotion, hand soap, a tin of tea or chocolate or a soy candle that smells like a speakeasy or that’s named for a city neighborhood, you can find it here.”

Metzinger makes about 40 percent of the products she sells, including her best-selling Splendid Alchemy Inhaling Salts, crystals infused with “a headclearing blend of essential oils.”

“It’s great for headaches, migraines or an energy boost,” she said.

Splendid Alchemy is one of Metzinger’s house brands, born from a need for aromatherapy products without allergens.

“Scent is so important to me and the way I interpret the world around me, whether its products or food or nature,” she said. “I like making products that evoke emotion and help people relive a good memory.”

Cascading Effect

Metzinger frequently visits markets in New York City, Dallas and Las Vegas and seeks out small shops similar to her own in different communities across the country to glean ideas.

“I love educating myself on new products and get excited by what other owners are offering and what they’re doing with their spaces,” she said. “I love the energy of New York and the visual look of tiny independent shops that are like a little genie bottle when you step inside and see all that they have for that ‘oh, my God’ moment. I want my customers to feel that when they come to my store too.”

Metzinger is already adept at providing those moments, which can have a cascading effect on customers.