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| Photo by Mark Lynch for The Valley Report |
Deborah Koch sits back in a chair and bristles at the thought of being incorrectly identified as a 52 year old by the local newspaper as we begin our informal interview. We share a moment of laughter over the gaffe as I assure her that age isn't a priority for this story.
It is her talent I'm after.
Her shop, Koch & Company, has been open in the Valley Station Shopping Center a mere three months, but already Koch is looking like a veteran of the industry. After putting together a solid business plan, she obtained a low-interest METCO loan from city government to open her gallery - a full service framing shop featuring graphic design work and consignment of fine art that also sells jewelry and unique gifts along with decorative furniture.
Deborah runs the shop, but it is definitely a team effort. "I love the people I work with. I couldn't do this without them", she says.
The space is comfortably arranged and welcoming. If it seems eerily familiar, it is. Although remodeled and modern, you are standing in what used to be the produce section of the old Winn Dixie store that once occupied the location.
A showcase of original, one-of-a-kind artwork, Koch sells pieces from 49 of Louisville's finest artists - some from right here in Southwest Louisville. "When people think of our part of town, they don't necessarily think of a group of talented artists, but we are loaded with them. We are truly blessed out here."
Our interview is punctuated by cigarette breaks, and as the talk eventually veers off subject to political matters and public perceptions, I browse the gallery. Here's the thing: You really must spend some time in this place to see everything. Not just looking, but seeing. But be warned- you could spend the entire day here.
The shop also feels like a gathering place for the neighborhood as a cast of local characters rotate in and out. Customers shop the selection and leave with heavy praise. Said one excited patron, "We really needed something like this out here. Thank you so much!"
This could be the next big thing for Southwest Louisville. As a woman exits, Koch says, "I am blessed to be here every day. And I wouldn't live anywhere else."
As business progresses, Koch plans a rapid expansion and an additional service - art classes given by the very artists who created the work on the walls. The shop has an option to expand an additional 5000 square feet, and it is doubtlessly going to be successful.
In addition to the impressive selection, the shop also has a wide variety of prices to suit all budgets. Here, there really is something for everyone. Koch & Company accepts cash and all major credit cards, so grab that family heirloom or photograph you've been wanting to have framed and take it to Deborah and her talented and entertaining staff. You will not be disappointed in this Southwest treasure.
Koch & Company is located at 10978 Dixie Highway.
Hours: Tuesday through Thursday, 10am-6pm
Friday, 10am-8pm
Saturday, 10am-6pm
Sunday, 12-5pm
Closed on Monday
If readers would like to know more or have questions about METCO loans, you can start by asking someone who has been through the process and has been successful at obtaining help. Deborah Koch invites anyone seeking information on the program to contact her. Her experience could be useful to you.
A photo album of our visit is now live on our Facebook page. Special thanks to Mark Lynch of Valley Station for taking the photos.
