Heath and Kelli Watkins are bringing unique products to Galion.

The couple opened their store, H and K Watkins, about a month ago that features organic bath and body products, J.R. Watkins gourmet cooking supplies, soy-based candles and tanning beds with mood lighting.

The store is located at 115 Harding Way W., next door to the couple’s insurance business, American Family Insurance.

“We moved the insurance business next door three years ago from our previous location near Wendy’s, where it was located for 15 years. We wanted to open a business to offer the community something different and unique so we purchased the building and opened H and K Watkins,” Heath said.

The store features an array of organic products, with bath bombs being the most popular, according to Heath and Kelli.

“Our bath bombs are the hottest selling item we offer right now. We offer different ones such as blueberry and glitter bombs. Our tie-dye bath bombs are very popular with kids because it turns the bath water multiple colors. Not only are they fun but they have made from natural ingredients that leave your skin soft and smooth. They are actually wonderful for people with dry skin or have eczema,” Heath said.

Heath said the hand-crafted soaps at the couple’s store are made from ingredients such as goat’s milk and Greek yogurt.

“We have a variety of soaps that are all-natural in scents such as vanilla raspberry,” Heath said.

Heath said the goal at the store and tanning salon is for people to relax.

“We can change the lighting in each of our tanning rooms through our cell phone. We have several options for customers to choose from that will help them relax. We have colors such as purple or green and also have scenes like rain forest, sunset or moonlight. We want our customers to come here and unwind,” Heath said.

There are four tanning beds in the tanning salon portion of the business.

“We offer three levels of beds which means they offer different strengths of bulbs,” Heath said.

Heath said that in the near future, a computerized spray tanning booth will be installed.

“It is computerized so the customer will go in alone and the computer will tell you when to turn,” Heath said.

Kelli said the booth will also feature a blow dryer.

“At many spray tanning booths, you have to stand and wait to dry but with the one we are installing, the blow dryer will dry your skin quickly so you an be on your way in a shorter amount of time,” Kelli said.

Galion Area Chamber of Commerce Director Joe Kleinknecht was on hand Thursday at the business for a ribbon-cutting ceremony.

“This is a unique business and that is what the city needs more of,” Kleinknecht said.

Galion city council president Carl Watt said uniqueness is important to the city.

“You need uniqueness to make Galion a destination for people,” Watt said.

Mayor Tom O’Leary said there were two ribbon cuttings on Thursday.

“One was for a business that recently re-located, The Candi Bar, and the other for an existing business that is expanding. We are in a growth trend in Galion and both these businesses are good examples of that,” O’Leary said.

A variety of complimentary teas are also offered at the store that is open from 7 a.m. to 7:30 p.m. Monday through Friday and from 10 to 3 p.m. on Saturday.

“We are closed on Sunday,” Heath said. “We may expand our hours in the future if the demand is there.

For more information, call the store at 567-393-9470 or 419-631-7067 or visit the H and K Watkins Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/HK-Watkins-411918608978484/?fref=ts.

http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/01/web1_IMG_20160107_092101.jpg

Kelli and Heath Watkins stand inside H and K Watkins in Galion.
http://aimmedianetwork.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/29/2016/01/web1_IMG_20160107_092315.jpgKelli and Heath Watkins stand inside H and K Watkins in Galion.

By Kimberly Gasuras

Galion Inquirer