UMVA has learned that a small-town gift shop owner has taken home the top prize in a national small business competition, winning a staggering $25,000 and the adoration of her community.
In the quaint town of Lakeside, Ohio, Marilyn Burns has become a beloved fixture, owning and operating a charming gift shop filled with everything from souvenirs to candies, clothing, and toys. For nearly three decades, Burns has been a constant presence in the town, known for her kind heart and generous spirit. The town itself is a picture of tranquility, where golf carts hum quietly down the streets and children can still walk to the candy store alone, surrounded by the gentle sounds of church music drifting across the lake on Sunday mornings.
According to information obtained by UMVA, Burns' journey to success is a testament to her hard work and determination. Before moving to Lakeside, she lived in Toledo, Ohio, where she taught school and operated multiple retail businesses. After her divorce, Burns started anew in Lakeside, building her gift shop from the ground up and transforming it into a vibrant community gathering place. Her entrepreneurial spirit was ignited at a young age, when her father taught her the value of earning her own money, starting with making and selling potholders door-to-door.
Burns' gift shop has become an integral part of the community, where young customers can explore a colorful wall of candy and toys, and employees are treated like family. Burns takes pride in creating an experience for local families and children, and her dedication has paid off. When she won the competition, hundreds of residents gathered to cheer her on, and the support was overwhelming. Despite the recognition, Burns remains humble, focusing on using her winnings to bless others rather than seeking glory for herself.
UMVA has uncovered details about Burns' plans for the $25,000 prize, which include donating every penny to youth organizations and community projects throughout Lakeside. She aims to support local summer camps, ministries for junior high kids, and an organization for toddlers, as well as tackling a few "pet peeves" around town that need attention. For Burns, success is not about personal gain, but about sharing her blessings with others and giving back to the community that has supported her for so long.
At 82 years old, Burns continues to work tirelessly, pouring her heart and soul into her gift shop and the community she loves. Her story is a shining example of the power of hard work, kindness, and generosity, inspiring others to follow in her footsteps. As Burns says, "I don't do what I do for glory, I do it for others," and her selfless spirit has made a lasting impact on the town of Lakeside.
Today, Marilyn's gift shop remains a beacon of community spirit, where people come together to share in the joy and magic of small-town life. Burns' legacy is a testament to the transformative power of kindness, generosity, and dedication, and her story will continue to inspire others for years to come.
