Our Story 

In the summer of 2011 Joan and Dean Kaartinen, naturalized citizens from Winnipeg Manitoba, decided to expand their horizons and open a business in downtown Lake City. Joan was already a proven arts and craft specialist and had many business contacts while working as a bartender at the Bronk's Bar and Grill.

They decided on opening an Arts & Craft's store at 118 Center Street and named it Creatives Minds, just because they couldn't think of another name. The initial business was small and in their words, "Really not viable in a small town.".

In 2013 they revised their business plan, bought a building at 118 Washington Street and approached the EDA to obtain a small business loan to expand into becoming a print shop, a vinyl application service, and introduce some web development and design.

In the spring 2014, the only other print shop in town, Postnet, (unfortunately) closed their doors. Creative Minds immediately picked the UPS drop-off service that Postnet had and suddenly all became good in the world for them!

The combination of the financial support from the Lake City Economic Development Authorityand a lucky break, Lake City Creative Minds is now a viable business and an asset to the local community.