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Jennifer Wilson is already an extremely busy woman, taking care of her two young sons, ages 2 and 3. For much of their lives, she has been running her household alone, with husband Wesley stationed in Korea with the Air Force for the past two years.

Now, she has gone from being a customer at a small used children’s goods store in Lindstrom to being the owner.

Wilson used to shop a lot in the store for her own children and talked with the previous owner. When she learned it was for sale, she went home and thought about the prospect of business ownership.

At the time, she was working at a discount retail store, but saw the opportunity to set her own work schedule by being the boss.

“This gives me the freedom to do more and set my own hours,” Wilson said.

She was able to discuss the business venture with her husband, who wholeheartedly supported the idea.

Wilson purchased Birth and Beyond Oct. 1 and is already settling in well with the daily routines.

She is now able to bring her sons, Glen and Ben, to work with her when she is at the store on weekends.

“I try not to work too many weekends, though,” Wilson said.

The boys do visit the shop with her during other working hours, which they think is great. “It’s like a big toy store for them,” she said.

Right now, Wilson is the only employee at Birth and Beyond. Fortunately, she does have three friends who have volunteered to work there and help out. Her in-laws, Peter and Betty Wilson, are also a source of support for Wilson.

“They are busy right now too, because they’re opening a new health food store in Chisago City,” Wilson said.

Wilson plans to offer more furniture for sale at the store than it had before. She has also added new handmade blankets and quilts, and advertises the services of a local artist who paints portraits from children’s photographs.

Wilson is planning a grand opening celebration for the month of November. Through Nov. 10, customers will receive 25 percent off toys, clothes and books and 50 percent off maternity clothes, as well as other special sales daily. She recently held a Halloween costume contest, with prizes for the kids and drawings for parents.

While she is excited about the new venture, Wilson is also hopeful that her husband can share it with her. He is being held to his job in the military, so they aren’t sure when he will come home. “I hope he comes home soon,” she said. “But he’s happy about the business.”

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