The moment you step inside the warmly curated space at Green Shoppe, you’re greeted with thoughtfully chosen products that reflect a commitment to sustainable living and mindful consumption. For this installment of Meeting Meadville, Kelly Rhoades, of Kelly Rhoades Photography, visited owner Julie McClymonds at the shop on Chestnut Street to explore how her passion for eco-friendly goods and community connection shapes the atmosphere and offerings at The Green Shoppe, located at 270 Chestnut Street in Meadville.
Meeting Meadville with Kelly Rhoades
For this installment of Meeting Meadville, I took a little field trip to Green Shoppe PA at the corner of Park and Chestnut. I have known Julie for many years, and as someone who also believes it is important to be “green”, I couldn’t love her model for a store more! Not only does Green Shoppe offer alternatives to big brand cleaning and body products, but they also have a wonderful selection of vintage clothing and home items, as well as green toys! If you have not yet had the pleasure, you MUST stop in and check it out!
Tell us a little about your business!
“Green Shoppe PA, LLC is a sustainable retail Shoppe in Meadville, PA, offering plant-based cleaners, organic body care, recycled and up-cycled goods, and conscious lifestyle products. We support local and global artisans, host community classes, and thoughtfully research every product we carry—because what we promote matters.”
What inspired you to start your business?
“Green Shoppe PA began with a desire to create a cleaner, healthier environment for my children. Our family’s experience with allergic reactions to everyday products opened our eyes to the importance of what we use in our homes and how those choices impact both our health and the planet. As we learned more, we wanted to share that knowledge with others—showing simple, realistic ways people can make everyday changes that support a healthier planet. We love discovering and promoting products that were previously unknown in our area and sharing unique, fun ideas that make conscious living feel accessible. Gift-giving has always been close to my heart, especially items with meaning, purpose, or creative, artistic flair you can’t find anywhere else. From that passion, Green Shoppe PA was born—and it has continued to grow into a space rooted in intention, care, and community”
What is something that makes your business unique?
“At Green Shoppe PA, everything we offer is intentionally chosen. Each product is researched and tested in our own home to ensure it works well for our family—and for yours. We don’t carry items just to fill shelves; we focus on solutions that truly serve a purpose. We are equally committed to supporting local artisans, partnering with makers to help them grow and share their work within our community. This personal, thoughtful approach is what sets Green Shoppe PA”
In your opinion, what is the best thing about Meadville?
“The best thing about Meadville is that while we are a city, we still carry a strong small-town energy and vibe. There is a genuine sense of community here—people helping one another, showing up, and supporting each other in meaningful ways. Meadville has changed many times over the years. Businesses come and go, and seasons shift, but one thing has remained constant: our commitment to community. That spirit has never wavered. I truly believe that if we continue to keep community at our core, we can build the vibrant, welcoming downtown that Meadville deserves—one rooted in connection, care, and shared purpose.”
Which Meadville business, aside from your own, is your favorite?
“One of my favorite places, like many is the Meadville Market House, which has always been very dear to me and my family. I love the experience of seeing new products on the shelves, watching new businesses begin, and spending Saturdays talking with farmers while supporting our local agricultural community. Farmers like Fat Hawk Farms and Strawberry Lane Produce make coming downtown on a Saturday especially worthwhile.
I also truly enjoy connecting with fellow business owners and drawing inspiration from people like Christine of Château Christine and Jennifer Murphy of Tattered Corners New & Used Books, as well as getting to know new businesses opening in the area—places like Bark & Branch, Salty Spa, MCMichelle’s, and The Crawford Store.
I love going into French Creek Coffee & Tea Co and being surrounded by a vibrant community of small business owners, connecting with people who are like-minded and genuinely want to see one another grow and succeed is incredibly inspiring. It makes me proud and excited to be part of downtown Meadville and its continued growth.”
You can scroll through the visual story using the gallery below. You can also see the original post on Kelly Rhoades’ Facebook Page here. (Be sure to Like and leave a nice comment too!)
Kelly Rhoades is helping to Make Meadville through her work on this project. If you’d like to see Kelly’s full portfolio of work and book a session, go to her website at www.kellyrhoadesphotography.com
