ORIGINALLY PUBLISHED: JULY 2023
Stephanie (Stevie) Martin of Fremont, Ohio developed the idea of her business, Pun-Kin Place
Celebration Center, after her 9-year-old granddaughter attended a beauty and fashion themed party
in Dayton, Ohio where she lives. The party planners painted the little girls nails, they played dress
up and ended with a fashion show. Mychaela, her granddaughter’s excitement lead her to tell her
“Maw Maw” that she should open up a shop…”People will come!” Her granddaughter’s excitement
prompted her to do the research, even though the idea seemed to be crazy. However, there was no
business like this in her community that provided services to children. Nine months later Pun-Kin
Place Celebration Center became a reality in November 2017. Pun-Kin Place Celebration Center is
named in honor of her mother, Joyce Ann Brown, who loved children.
Pun-Kin Place Celebration Center is located at 1215 W. State Street, Fremont, Ohio where her
services include children and adult Mani/Pedis, specialties such as Mommy & Me, Ladies Nite Out,
Couples Pedicures, Daddy & Me, and Paint Parties with JPaint for all ages. Currently, Pun-Kin Place
Celebration Center is by appointment only until her full retirement. Her business goal is for the
business to become sustainable and to rent booths to two or three other technicians. Stevie states
that keeping up with the evolving trends in the beauty industry can be challenging, however she
likes to keep it simple and provide a specialty service. Providing the specialty services to clients,
knowing they had a rewarding experience makes her day. She says, “it’s like being a counselor”. Her
daughter, Jericha is her marketing manager and maintains her social media accounts on Facebook and
Instagram. Pun-Kin-Place.com is her website.
Stevie’s mission for Pun-Kin Place is to provide a fun place for families to share an exciting
experience; and to give back to the community of Fremont after years of service in the school system.
It’s her plan for retirement. Her business challenges are common to most start-ups, finding good help
and working capital. Not to mention how everyday life entwines with our plans. Through a series
challenges, such as family illnesses, death, Covid 19 and her own stint with cancer, Stevie pressed on.
Her pressing on included taking cosmetology courses in Cleveland, Ohio fitting them into her daily
work schedule. Also, being the oldest person in the class, which was less of a challenge than being left
handed, and learning everything backwards. Last but not least passing the State Board Test. Pun-Kin
Place Celebration Center has become a healing tool that Stevie can immerse herself into after years
of caregiving and taking on the matriarch role of her family. It was and continues to be a blessing to
herself and the community of Fremont. Stevie donates to school PBIS and sponsors a raffle to donate
to the Sandusky County Cancer Fund in celebration of her cancer-free status, “Cancerversary” of 4
years and counting.
For pampering and a fun experience schedule an appointment with Stevie at 419.355.3443.