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For over four decades, the windows of McKay Bricker Framing & Black Squirrel Gifts have beckoned to shoppers and passers-by, the bright displays a visual reminder of Kent’s reverence for the arts. Inside, amid the constantly-rotating merchandise and vast array of framing supplies, regular shoppers knew they’d find owner Cass McKay Walker.

Now, even after 42 years in business, she isn’t ready to walk away. What she realized last year was that she was ready for a change – and she made one. Cass and her staff made room to welcome celebrated Akron-based florist, Leaf Home and Blooms into the sizable retail space at 141 E. Main Street in Kent.

Like The Downtown Gallery that has occupied the west showroom since 1997, Leaf is its own, separate entity, but now the three operate under one roof. It’s something of an uncommon arrangement - one Cass is quick to say creates an interesting mix in the space.

“When people come in, there’s a lot of variety, and a lot to see,” she said.

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New Scenery, Greenery, and Offerings Add to Established Business

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When they walk through the front doors today, customers are greeted by fresh scents, vibrant greenery and dramatic arrangements. In addition to the leaves and blooms one expects of a full-service florist, Leaf offers its own mix of gift items that – well, we have to say it – vibe with the inventory at McKay Bricker’s Black Squirrel Gifts. While some merchandise items were discontinued, Cass is quick to say that the wide selection of quality greeting cards and Black Squirrel-themed items are still available there.

And while customers encounter fresh scenery and greenery in the front of the store –along with a make-your-own-terrarium station! - the long-standing full-service custom framing business is still there, too, along with the professional framing staff – and that includes Cass.

“One misconception is that I already retired and walked away from the business,” Cass said. In fact, she is still behind the counter five days a week.

Even though it’s human nature to resist change, Cass said customers – of both businesses – are pleasantly surprised.

“They walk in the door and they’re very positive,” she said. "With Leaf in the front, I think it’s giving them good exposure, and it’s good exposure for us, too."

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Cultivating a New Partnership

If you’ve ever tried to find a suitable roommate, you can appreciate how seriously both business considered their decision to share a retail space.

"I couldn't share my space with just anyone," Cass explained. "It’s kind of like dating—there are so many potential pitfalls." It works, in part, she said, “because we were friends first.”

Also, they didn’t rush the process.

The seeds for their partnership were sown when Cass’s husband, Hal, ventured in to the original Leaf location in Akron. His glowing review piqued Cass’s interest, and the couple visited together, meeting owner Matthew Moore. As they got to know each other, they realized they shared a passion for unique, high-quality retail  - and the idea of a second Leaf location in Kent began to bloom.

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Full-Circle Moment

Once the decision was made, in July of 2025, Cass began to tackle the huge project of sorting through decades of accumulated merchandise, fixtures, and supplies and moving a large portion of those things out of the store.

In fact, she was able to roll some of those items just a few hundred feet up the sidewalk to Main Street Memorabilia, now owned by Tom Simpson. And here’s the small-town twist: that’s exactly where many of those things started.

McKay Bricker occupied that same spot, at 163 E. Main St., from 1984-1992.

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Sharing Space and a Bright Future

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Sharing the same retail space has some distinct advantages, for both of the businesses as well as their customers.

“They’re open on Sundays and we are not,” Cass pointed out.

That’s a win-win for everyone, Cass said, because by mutual agreement, each business can handle merchandise sales transactions for the other. “We cooperate very well.”

‍Leaf Home and Blooms opened its second location at 141 E. Main Street in Kent on November 28, 2025 – Black Friday! – and now shares the space with McKay Bricker Framing. Stop in and see what’s in store!

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