Young entrepreneur opens up new thrift store

By: 
Sam Smith

Lovell resident Aaron Snyder was making plans for the future when he came up with an idea for a thrift store and social hub in which people could hang out in Lovell. It hit him when he stumbled upon a vacant building one day, and the result is the newly opened Astral Attic Space at 210 East Main.

“One night, we were walking around town and it started raining,” Snyder said. “So, we took cover under the awning of the vacant building. The building was for lease, and we looked through the windows. There was a lot of space with a lot of opportunity. The next day I called the landlord so we could check it out. When we first saw this place, our imaginations ran wild.”

After paperwork was completed, the building was in his hands and the ideas Snyder had were starting to become a reality.

Snyder said he also has a band that has played in different parks around the area. Over the summer, Snyder also made tie-dye shirts and sold a few to different stores.

“Having our own little jam spot outside of the garage with more room for a concert is even better,” he said. “I’ve always wanted to open my own business of some sort. Now we have a location for music and our tie-dye shirts.”

Snyder remembers the building being called the Attic Space selling thrift store clothes and other items.

“Our name obviously refers to it, but we wanted to add a cosmic theme to it,” he said. “My initials are AAS so it matches pretty well with the name.”

Snyder didn’t have any plans at the time to be a business owner, but with the COVID-19 pandemic affecting the world, it seems like he has planted his roots here in Lovell.

“I wasn’t planning on becoming a business owner, not this soon anyway, especially with the 2020 pandemic and many small businesses going under,” he said. “I turned 18 in February and was planning on traveling around the country in my van to play music and sell my art. The first thing was the weather. I didn’t want to drive on icy roads, so I decided to wait a few weeks and that’s when COVID-19 hit. The country was shut down and by the time it cleared up for a bit, the cities were burning to the ground.

“I figured God wanted me to stay put. I’ll listen to God and take advantage of the time I’m here. I’ve
been walking with Jesus because he knows what’s best for me.”

To make ends meet, Snyder has been working at Pizza on the Run in Powell but hopes to make the store a full-time job in the future.

“I’ve worked there (Pizza on the Run) for three months part-time,” he said. “Depending on how the business goes I’m hoping to make this shop a full-time deal. It took a lot of research and calculating because I’m brand new at this.

“Pizza on the Run actually gave me a good amount of knowledge for retail. I’ve talked with several business owners in the area to get advice on how it should all run.”

The store

The Astral Attic Space opened its doors on Halloween. Snyder said the store has an arcade machine, a virtual reality game, a good selection of board games, thrift items, books, movies, tie-dye shirts and much more.

The store will also sell coffee, apple cider, hot chocolate, tea and other beverages.

“In the future we are hoping to get the espresso machine up and running along with a little bakery selection,” Snyder said.

Snyder said the hours will vary over time as he settles into the community.

“It’s an ambient place to hang out and great for those with an artistic mind,” Snyder said. “It’s a vibrant space to relax and free your spirit. Stop by and warm up with a nice cup of coffee, hot cocoa, apple cider, tea and more.”

Snyder said he was also inspired by the youth house in town (The Point) to create a social hub in the community.

“I was wanting to have a variety of things here for all ages. There’s a little bit of something for everyone. Anybody is welcome. I want to bring more diversity to the area and get people out of the box. This town has a lot of potential. It took a lot of work to clean up the lot, move things in, set up and figure out the paperwork.

“I’m hoping to inspire other young fellow entrepreneurs. Don’t let fear get to you. If I can do it at 18 years old during these unstable times, anybody can.”

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