The Little Apple Enjoys Big Success

Her husband studies medicine.

Other family members are in the teaching field.

So when Molly Cygan decided to break into the entrepreneurial world, it was initially a bit of a shock to her loved ones. 

But after a year of running her own store in Manayunk’s commercial district, it has been nothing but waves of support for this young business owner, from those close to her as well as fellow Main Street merchants.

“It’s been good. Definitely a learning experience,” the young Cygan said during a recent interview at her store, The Little Apple, which carries a wide array of products and gifts. “It’s all been positive in the sense that I’m learning and adapting.”

A look around the store shows the eclectic nature of its offerings. There’s everything from antique signs, humorous greeting cards and jewelry, to handmade reusable tote bags with classic prints, old-fashioned men’s shaving brushes and soaps, creative matchbooks and liquor flasks.

Actually, there’s very little that can’t be found at The Little Apple.

For Cygan, it’s all been about the relationships she’s formed while running the shop for the past year. This includes interactions with fellow Main Street merchants, budding friendships with upstairs apartment tenants and interactions with repeat customers.

Of course, the shop owner also enjoys the new faces that descend upon her store from time to time. During a recent visit to the store, two women were perusing the aisles, seemingly pleased with what they saw.

“Everything is displayed so nicely,” one of the women said.   

The other woman found herself quite taken with Cygan’s 3-month-old French Bulldog named Penn, who seemed quite at home inside the store.

Since opening, Cygan said the busiest time seemed to be the holiday shopping season.

“It was really encouraging,” she said about the winter months.

Although she’s only a year into it, Cygan said she’s finally starting to turn a profit–albeit a small one. So far, she hasn’t had to invest much more money into the store than she did during start-up.

Her husband and family members have also been supportive of her venture, both morally and financially.

Cygan prides herself on offering quality service. This can be everything from putting through special orders for customers to offering to wrap gifts for folks.

“I try to be as helpful as possible,” she said. “Manayunk’s a destination. There’s always the chance they’ll come back.”

Cygan has even been able to hire an employee, something that wasn’t even a thought when she first opened up.

On Saturday, Cygan will officially celebrate the store’s one-year anniversary with a special artists’ reception event. The shop’s back room will be opened up, and will house works from local artists as well as food and refreshments. The event will take place from 4 to 7 p.m. The public is invited.

At this point, Cygan is just happy to still be afloat, especially during uncertain economic times.

“Overall, it’s been very positive,” she said of her time running a business.

To learn more, visit The Little Apple's Facebook page.