What began as a childhood hobby has flourished into a business opportunity for Ginger Johnson, owner of The Little Pillow Company, 507 Main St.

“Little Pillows actually come from my childhood,” says Johnson. “When my sister Holly and I were little girls, my folks didn’t want us dragging around a blanket that could get dirty and ratty so my mom actually made us little pillows. It’s like one of those little family idiosyncrasies.”

Johnson first opened The Little Pillow Company in Sioux Falls, S.D., but moved to Ames in March 2005.

She re-opened her business in April, and it has carried its popularity to Ames.

“I’ve had my business for a year and a half total,” Johnson says. “I do cash and carry goods and custom goods, which have proven to be more popular.”

Johnson makes a wide variety of things for the store, including pillows aprons, purses, wine bags, slipcovers and memory pillows.

“I haven’t encountered something I’ve had to say no to yet,” Johnson says. “If it’s something I don’t feel comfortable tackling, I will find another business so someone can get help.”

“I think that’s an extension of customer service. They come to me with a question, and it’s my responsibility to find a solution.”

There are many benefits to owning a business, and Johnson enjoys every aspect of it.

“Retail is kind of like going to school in a way. It’s the same program; it’s just different every day. The people contact is great, and the more business picks up, the more people I see.”

When she is not making pillows, Johnson enjoys a variety of other hobbies including downhill skiing, reading, pheasant hunting and tools.

“I love hardware,” Johnson says. “It’s a passion of mine. My husband teases everybody that he married me for my power tools.”

As for the future, Johnson has many aspirations.

“I really want to be a serial entrepreneur. I also want to open my own hardware store at some point,” Johnson says.

Her husband, Larry Chase, says he’s supportive of her goals.

“She’s always wanted to do this,” Chase says. “It’s just fun for me to see her excitement. I joke that she’s my retirement plan, that I hope someday she can support me so I can retire early.”

Johnson says she hopes The Little Pillow Company will continue to become more popular with Ames residents.

“I am an eternal optimist. I am always trying to make lemonade from lemons,” Johnson says. “I really have an aversion to negative people; I try to be very positive.”

Although The Little Pillow Company is relatively new to Ames, it has already gained quite a following.

Allyson Walter is a customer of The Little Pillow Company and also owns the Savvy Shopper, 310 Main St.

“I think The Little Pillow Company is really good for the cultural district of Ames. It provides a variety. People really like to support artists and local businesses,” Walter says.

Johnson appreciates all the support of her customers and tries to provide some in return.

“People need something just like they need clothes to wear,” Johnson says. “I wanted my business to have some purpose to it. What I’m selling is comfort, essentially, in the pillows. And who doesn’t want a little piece of comfort?”