It’s been a fixture in downtown Bedford for more than 30 years. 

 

“I’ve loved my business and I’ve always put my heart and soul into it, and I know Juli will do that, too,” said Elaine Housel, owner of Elaine’s Wearable Art. 

 

Housel is handing off her business to long-time friend and former employee, Juli Dull. 

 

“I’ve known Elaine since I was 17 years old so she’s taught me a lot of things,” Dull said. “So even though it’s gonna be a name change, I say it’s the same but different. It’s Elaine’s Wearable Art to Juli’s Wearable Art.”

 

Dull bought her first business from Elaine in 1994

 

“This is deja vu for Elaine and I,” Dull said.

 

“We both have always had a commitment to our community and keeping our downtown alive,” Housel said. “It’s always been very important to us.”

 

The Bedford Chamber of Commerce held a special ceremony Thursday to celebrate all the dynamic duo has done for the community, and toast to the future. 

 

“It’s always been an anchor and she has always been very progressive in her method of doing business and has always been ahead of the curve in keeping downtown vital,” said long-time customer Sharon Turkovich.

 

“It’s kind of humbling and very overwhelming that everyone has turned out to tell me goodbye today,” Housel said.

 

Housel knows her community as well as they know her. 

 

“She always made it a point to know her customer base,” Turkovich said. “A lot of places, if you go to a mall or some shopping plaza, you walk in and they don’t know you.”

 

Over the years, Housel has employed around 40 women.  She and Dull were both instrumental in revitalizing the historic downtown area. 

 

“Everyone hopes that they make a difference in their community and it does mean a lot to me that one person can make a difference,” Housel said.

 

Juli’s Wearable Art will hold a ribbon cutting June 10th.