In The Garden of Eden

“Well, we’re… Unique. I like to call us the fun store. We are a bit different than anything down here.” – Laurel

Discover a paradise of pleasure and indulgence at In the Garden of Eden. Laurel Paschke, the owner, has called downtown Kenosha the home to her a one-of-a-kind business for almost 8 years. We sat down and got a little spicy in this exclusive Go Downtown Kenosha interview with my friend Laurel …

Can you give us a little backstory on In the Garden of Eden?
Laurel: I had been in corporate retail for 20-plus years and hadn’t really ever thought of starting my own business, but I saw an opportunity. This is the short version of the long story, obviously. And I thought it was silly we didn’t have a nice couple’s store in our town when we have such a huge city. We’re the fourth largest city in our state. So again, short version, I figured out how to make it happen and here we are 8 years later.

Can you describe the products and services you offer here In the Garden of Eden?
Laurel:Well, as I mentioned, we are a couple store. So we are very couple-centric, very couple-oriented, female-friendly. We have lingerie, games, little things you can play with together to kind of keep your relationship new and exciting. And we are a very comfortable place, always happy to give advice.

So what makes In the Garden of Eden stand out among the many great businesses here in downtown Kenosha?
Laurel: Well, we’re… Unique. I like to call us the fun store. We are a bit different than anything down here. As far as standing out, I mean, it’s difficult to say because there’s really so many great businesses down here.

What is a day in the life like for you, the owner of In the Garden of Eden?
Laurel: Well, I am an empty nester as of two years ago, so I… recently, have a lot of time for myself, which is quite unusual. So I get to sleep in late now all the time and do things at my leisure. So I kind of pretty boring.

What are some things that you personally like to do in downtown Kenosha?
Laurel: I like to eat, Scoops I go over there pretty regularly, especially for the holidays, Trolley Dogs, Sazzy B, Kaisers, I really like to eat. That’s probably what I do the most down here. : Well, we’re… Unique. I like to call us the fun store. We are a bit different than anything down here. As far as standing out, I mean, it’s difficult to say because there’s really so many great businesses down here.

Q. So how do you stay updated on industry’s trends and changes?
Laurel: This is a very fast moving industry and it’s constantly innovating in this industry. I deliberately keep my inventory pretty basic. So I’m not always on the cutting edge, but I do have a very nice variety of products.

What is something about downtown kenosha that you would like new or future residents to know about?
Laurel: I think everybody needs to know that there’s always something to do down here, especially on the weekend. If you want to do something with the kids, , there’s so many things to do, the Markets, you can take them down by the lake. There’s so many things you can do as a family you’re looking for a couple’s time, there’s always live music somewhere downtown. There’s great food. The Rhode has shows almost every weekend. There’s the Kenosha Comedy Club. There’s so much happening down here. There’s always something to do on the weekend.

What’s next for In the Garden of Eden?
Laurel: Well, a good/bad problem I have is that I am going to end up having to relocate. I am really outgrowing my space. I have a tiny store. It is a good problem because it means that business has been great. But I’ve moved once before and when you move, people lose you. They don’t always know you’re still around. I absolutely a million percent want to stay downtown because I love it here. It just kind of depends on what opportunities I have when the time is right.

In the Garden of Eden is located at 711 57th Street
Follow them on Facebook & Instagram
262-455-7502
Hours: Monday – Thursday 12-8PM • Saturday 12-9PM • Sunday 12-5PM

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For everything Kenosha visitkenosha.com

Q&A and concept by Donny Stancato & Jenna Zeihen • Edited by Meridith Jumisko, Jenna Zeihen & Donny Stancato • Photos by Donny Stancato • Video edited by Jenna Zeihen•