I grew up crawling around home decor showrooms thanks to my family’s involvement in the business. My father is both a painter and a business man, a striking combination that has always influenced me.
Through my Dad's store (Kopp’s Carpet & Decorating Center) and my Aunt and Uncle’s businesses (Kopp’s Decorating Center and Designer’s Library) — I understood from a young age that curating beautiful things was at the core of living well and what I was passionate about as an individual.
My father's carpet and lighting store in downtown Topeka, Kansas (1980s).
At one time the Kopp family had six retail locations in Kansas City. Long before there were stores though there was Nu-Way Cleaners founded by my grandfather, Earl, who passed away in 1997. Nu-Way specialized in dry cleaning rugs at a time when many people couldn’t afford new ones and as the economy improved a decade later he transitioned into selling rugs to a growing customer base.
In the 1980s my father, Paul, opened his own showroom in Topeka (one hour from Kansas City) to expand the family’s business reach. Not only did he own and operate Kopp’s Carpet there, he also established McCormick Rug Co. a wholesale extension of the retail business.
My father then partnered with a colleague to open another entity, Heinz Lighting. In all, he sold carpet, rugs, linoleum, and lighting - delighting local clients with the company slogan: “Keep On Pleasing People.”
Long before my dad's story began however, his father was born in rural Missouri in 1912 and moved with his young wife to the Kansas City; they were in love and eager to start a life together away from their rival families. In 1937 they founded their first business and in time all of their children were involved in a version. Each child started an iteration that suited their particular needs and grew under their individual direction.
My grandfather’s store in Kansas City (date unknown), a building which he designed.
Back in Topeka, my father’s business was a family affair like many small businesses around the globe. My mother, maternal-grandmother, grandfather, and brothers all either worked there and/or made regular appearances.
I was even featured in one of the local TV commercials when I was a child - sitting proudly atop roles of carpet, listing out the store’s seasonal specials! Other fond childhood memories included unpacking crates of antiques, shopping Dallas markets for new merchandise, and making play jewelry from light fixture parts.
But running a small business is a labor of love. One that requires years of dedication with no guarantees. It was a unique turn of events that led my father to retire, sell his business and transition from home decor to real estate. However, it wouldn’t be long until he embraced his creative roots in a way.
In retirement, my dad spent more time painting - a pastime he never fully had time for during his busy working days downtown. During this period he won numerous awards. This intersection (of art and business) inspired me to pursue both avenues professionally - leading her eventually to get a Master’s degree in art curation.
Pictured below my dad in retirement, featured in a local Arizona newspaper after decades of producing art from his home studio outside of Tucson. To this day, at 91 years old, he continues to dazzle and delight those close to him with unique and creative compositions both in Kansas City and in his second home, Tucson.
