Well hello, Washington! I am so happy to introduce myself to all of you. My name is Emily Underdown and I am currently interning with the Washington Area Chamber of Commerce. I will be here helping everyone in the office and sharing with you the ins and outs of all of your favorite Downtown places to visit! I  would like to tell you a little bit about me... But first, you probably want to see a face to match the name...


As you can tell, I couldn't leave my puppy out of the picture! I mean, look at that face!!

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​Now, onto more good stuff. I am graduating from Mizzou after I have finished my internship in June; however, I had the privilege of being able to walk in my graduation ceremony in December. In case you were wondering, yes, I cried... A LOT. I love Mizzou and Columbia will forever be my second home, but I am ready to move onto a new chapter! 

Along with being an intern with the Chamber, I am also helping get my mom's new business up and running! My mom has decided to reopen her photography business that she began in 2002 - Julie Underdown Photography. She has purchased the building at the corner of Jefferson Street and Third Street - you may remember it as The Inn, but you probably won't be able to recognize it in a few months! We are renovating it to be a beautiful building displayed with all of your families' heirloom photographs.
Julie Underdown Photography will be opening in Fall of 2018 and my mom cannot wait to meet you! 
​If you would like more information please visit julieunderdownphotography.com.

I'm saving the best for last... My niece and nephews. Their names are Elise, Henry, and Jude.
​These beautiful children bring me more joy than I could have ever imagined...

Thank you for taking the time to get to know a little bit about me! I hope to meet you very soon! 
                 
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​                                                                                                                                                                                                                - Emily

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Today I went into Plush Home & Fashion to take care of a little business and I couldn't help but be drawn in by the beautiful displays and wonderful staff. Kim, the manager of the shop, helped me and told me all about the history of the store... So here I am to share it with you!
​Plush Home & Fashion was created and is still owned by a mom and her daughter - Deb and Karissa Giffin. The Giffins are Washington natives who saw a fantastic opportunity to open up a shop in the heart of the Downtown area. This year in September will mark their third anniversary since their grand opening in 2015! As their slogan suggests, this cozy boutique offers a variety of home décor, furniture, and accessories that have a touch of old and a touch of new.
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​With their beautiful location in the Otto & Co. building on 127 Elm St. Suite 100, they have plenty of space to display their “Cottage Industry” – inspired designs to Downtown Washington locals like you and me and out-of-town visitors as well. Prepare yourself because trust me, when you walk in, you will not be leaving empty-handed! This small-town shop sells an array of options ranging from consignment pieces, local artists' designs, and their own selections of merchandise. This store has the goal in mind to, not only prosper within their own company, but promote local businessmen and businesswomen as well - it's a win-win for everyone. Don't worry, however, whoever decides to go in and shop is the ultimate winner!

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Plush Home & Fashion has made it a priority to be apart of several very special organizations in the surrounding areas. They have donated their time, efforts, and merchandise to help and raise awareness for these groups. If you would like to find out further information on their involvement, please feel free to contact them at 636.239.2700. 

To find out further information about Plush Home & Fashion please visit their Facebook page and Website.

​DON'T FORGET TO STOP IN AND SAY HELLO!

Submitted by: Emily Underdown