[Congressional Record Volume 170, Number 94 (Monday, June 3, 2024)]
[Senate]
[Page S3928]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                    RECOGNIZING MUSTARD SEED COMPANY

 Ms. ERNST. Madam President, as ranking member of the Senate 
Committee on Small Business and Entrepreneurship, each week I recognize 
an outstanding Iowa small business that exemplifies the American 
entrepreneurial spirit. This week, it is my privilege to recognize 
Mustard Seed Company of Albia, IA, as the Senate Small Business of the 
Week.
  In 2017, Sarah Hopkins and her husband Curt transformed a former car 
dealership located on Albia's Main Street into a home decor, 
furnishings, and gift store. The store started as a 1,500-square-foot 
storeroom before expanding in 2020 with a 3,000-square-foot addition. 
In 2017, Sarah hired two employees and began selling rugs, throws, and 
pillows. Today, they have seven full- and part-time employees and have 
expanded into selling home decor essentials including mugs, vases, and 
furniture.
  In addition to running Mustard Seed Company, in 2021, Sarah Hopkins 
opened a sister-store two doors down called The Seedling. The Seedling 
is a boutique offering stylish clothes for women and babies. They also 
offer gift cards, bridal registries, and wedding registries for 
customers.
  Mustard Seed Company is an exemplary family business. Curt Hopkins 
handles the store's deliveries and routine maintenance. Sarah and 
Curt's children--Olivia, Sophia, Cameron, and Avery--have also spent 
time working at both stores, including running the store's social media 
and handling shifts when needed.
  Sarah Hopkins is actively involved in the Albia community as well. 
Mustard Seed Company and The Seedling are proud members of Albia 
Chamber Main Street. Mustard Seed Company is a supporter of Circle of 
Freedom women's residential recovery home. Since 2022, Sarah Hopkins 
has been a member of the Albia Chamber Main Street's Promotions 
Committee. She is also involved in Albia's Restoration Days, a yearly 
community event to celebrate Albia's Historic Square.
  Sarah and Curt Hopkins and the Mustard Seed Company team are well-
recognized for their hard work. In February 2023, Curt and Sarah 
Hopkins won the 2022 Excellence in Design and Placemaking Award from 
the Albia Chamber Main Street for their continued community development 
work. In December 2024, Mustard Seed Company will celebrate its seventh 
business anniversary.
  Mustard Seed Company's commitment to providing high-quality home 
decor in Albia is clear. I want to congratulate Sarah Hopkins, the 
Hopkins family, and the entire team at Mustard Seed Company for their 
continued dedication to the Albia community. I look forward to seeing 
their continued growth and success in Iowa.

                          ____________________