4 Reeds on the Creek Homestead

09/10/2026

The dream is officially becoming a reality! 🪵✨
More than 20 years ago, when Greyson was only about 4, Eric took me to Canada for the first time. While out exploring, I stumbled upon a magical place: Bulk Barn. Every single year we returned to his family’s traditional cottages, and every single year I insisted on making my Bulk Barn stop.
I fell in love with the concept and had this "brilliant idea" to bring a smaller version back home. I looked into franchising, but they only operated in Canada. Then I imagined a shop where people could just bring in jars and refill them. Little did I know at the time, the "zero-waste" movement was already a thing—it just hadn’t reached us yet!
Life happened, and the idea went on the back burner. If you know me, you know people call me a "jack of all trades." I want to do and learn everything. I teach myself or turn to YouTube. Over the years, I thought about opening a restaurant, then a bakery. I took herbal classes and planned to sell homemade goods. I was going to, I was going to, I was going to... but I never quite pursued them, and watched others beat me to it.
Then, about 2.5 years ago, Sam Moon convinced me to just start selling my photos. I finally took the leap and started a small business. That step changed everything.
Through my business, I stumbled upon Incubator Works, and that old bulk store dream got pulled right out of the closet. I completed both of their courses and built a real plan. But in true Melanie form, I was still hesitant. Things have to feel right in my soul before I jump.
That’s when I heard about a small business grant in Elmira Heights. I thought, well, why not add grant writing to the list of things I’ve tried?
And guess what? I was accepted! 😭🙌
Today, I officially signed my lease. 164 E 14th St is the future location of 4 Reeds Homestead—an eco-friendly bulk store and refillery! 🌿🛒
Keep a lookout on this page for updates as we bring the space to life. Thank you so much to everyone who has supported, encouraged, and believed in me along the way. You all mean the absolute world to me. We are finally doing this!

08/27/2026

The botanist's bestselling books, "Braiding Sweetgrass" and "The Serviceberry," advocate for living and working in collaboration with the Earth, and sharing the gifts of nature - ideas, she says, some may see as subversive.

08/08/2026

Combining passions. My love for music. My love of making fun stuff and my love of reusing/ upcycling/ less waste. Prototype. This is a cross body “ bag” made from old tapes that no longer work. Lined with left over material inside. I wanted to use a guitar strap for the strap but the one gifted to me was to big. Saving for a later project. So the strap is from an old duffel bag. At some point I will have to figure out some sort of top for it so nothing falls out.

07/26/2026

Come get an early start . Grab a print a special card .

07/17/2026

PLEASE HELP. As I am getting close to getting into a location I know there will be things I forget about. What is something you can think of big or small that I could be overlooking. Let me know .

07/13/2026

07/13/2026

You know you want to go! Support you’re favorite photographer and other vendors 😊❤️

Market on the Mountain vendor list!!!
(as promised ❤️)

There is absolutely SO much more to come about the 70+ incredible small businesses that will be coming to this treasured spot in our beloved hometown of Elmira.
Gorgeous and sacred Newtown Battlefield State Park.

But for now, let the grit and talent of these amazing humans that will be all in one special spot on August 1st, 2026, sink in.

Best event of the summer! 💯

S T A Y T U N E D ✨️