Clovis Store Owner Rebuilds After Hate Crime
Chanel Wapner is the owner of Just My Essentials, the only black-owned business in Old Town Clovis.
In late September, Wapner’s store was vandalized in what police labeled as a hate crime.
Her shop was trashed with racial slurs and all of her products were either destroyed or stolen.
But Wapner holds no grudges towards the community of Old Town, nor does she plan to leave it.
“This unfortunate incident doesn’t define me and it doesn’t define this company and it doesn’t define this community,” said Wapner.
After the crime, she was met with an enormous amount of love, support, and donations, not only from community members, but from surrounding areas far and near.
Wapner received hundreds of followers on social media after the vandalism and she was overwhelmed by the support. “That just made this incident… the power of it began to weaken for me,” said Wapner.
Clovis Councilmember Bob Whalen set up a gofundme for Wapner. While she initially declined the offer, Wapner reconsidered and accepted the donations. She put the entire $30,000 raised back into Old Town Clovis.
“In them supporting me, they’re helping me support us,” said Wapner.
Just My Essentials is set to reopen November 14th at noon. Wapner said that there is going to a block party to celebrate.
“There are more people that are loving and kind than aren’t. That’s the true silver lining for me,” Chanel Wapner.
To find direct updates and announcements regaurding Wapner’s store check out justmyessentials.com or follow justmyessentials on Instagram, Twitter or Facebook.
