If you’ve recently popped in to The Urban Market, a new face may have been the one greeting you at the door. Lauren McKinniss took over the reins of this Downtown favorite earlier this summer.
Lauren is a Findlay native who grew up in the community with her parents and alongside her brother, who is currently playing football at Mizzou. Lauren graduated from BGSU before moving back to Findlay and is a Special Education Preschool Teacher with Fostoria City Schools. You might also see Lauren at Dougie Johns Pizza, where she works on the side.
While Lauren stays busy with owning The Urban Market and her “real” job, she enjoys dedicating her Saturdays in the fall to watching her brother play football, and in her free time playing with her pups at the dog park. Her dogs, Jax and Beau, are an important part of her family and she loves spending time at the dog park with them. In fact, if Lauren was to pivot into a new career she would own a doggie daycare or dog rescue! Lauren also enjoys shopping – so owning The Urban Market is a natural fit!
Lauren has always loved fashion and clothes and it is a well-known fact to family and friends that she has had a long held aspiration to own a store of her own. So, when Lauren saw that The Urban Market was for sale she told her parents she was buying it. Three months later she did just that, at just 25 years old. Lauren says she is the most excited to meet more people and help them find outfits they love. She has seen firsthand how Downtown Findlay has grown, and loves being a part of the vibrant shopping and dining scene herself.
The Urban Market is a women’s apparel store located in the 600 block of South Main, directly across from the Hancock Hotel. Here you can find a selection of clothes that fit any and all occasions. Pick up a dress to go out with friends, a great pair of shoes to pair with your favorite pair of jeans, or a top that is perfect to transition from meetings to happy hour at Alexandria’s, Lauren’s favorite Downtown spot.
When selecting inventory Lauren has been careful to make sure there is something for everyone. On the off chance you aren’t able to find the perfect piece to add to your wardrobe, Lauren is also carrying jewelry, candles, and all-natural soap. Or, you can always pick up a gift card to shop later!
Fun Facts about Lauren
Favorite Book: “Oh, The Places You’ll Go”, Dr. Seuss
Most Influential Person: Jesse James Decker
Favorite Quote: “Each child in your classroom was placed there by God with a specific purpose… either to change their life…. or yours” (Fitting for a teacher!)
Favorite Place to Travel: Nashville, Punta Cana, or anywhere with blue water and white sand!
Findlay Favorites
Favorite thing about the Findlay and Hancock County community: K-9 Field of Dreams Dog Park
Favorite local restaurant and dishes: Findlay Brewing Company’s loaded tots or Stix’ fries and mango margaritas!
Favorite guilty pleasure: Dietsch’s, for sure!
Favorite hidden gem: La Casa Fiesta
Say hi to Lauren at The Urban Market, located at 624 S. Main Street and is open Monday – Friday, 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. and Saturday, 10 a.m. – 4 p.m.