Elaine, 26, and Erica Yoder, 22, Rural Kalona
Owners @ The Empire House

At first glance, Elaine and Erica Yoder appear to be your typical 20-something sisters. They certainly look alike. They have similar mannerisms and finish each other’s sentences. And they enjoy each other’s company.
But these aren’t your average sisters. They also happen to be business partners. They just launched a new event planning businesses, The Empire House, based in Kalona.
You may recognize them from Sisters Garden, a store, actually two stores in one location (old houses in rural Kalona), where both have worked for years. The store, owned by a family friend, has an ever-changing inventory of modern mixed with antique. Farm furniture, architectural trimmings, garden and apothecary goods are displayed in charming vignettes. It’s upscale, retro, quirky.
Now, the sisters’ newest venture, The Empire House, aims to bring the same feel to event planning. Think Anthropologie-esque. A twist on traditional style.
The sisters ooze a unique creativity. Their spunky personalities and knack for incorporating vintage chic style is refreshing. While their personalities are definitely distinct (Erica’s a bit more funky while Elaine’s a touch more traditional) they are natural compliments.
“We kind of have a comfort level and we can bounce ideas off each other,” Erica says.
“And encourage each other,” Elaine chimes in. “We really do pretty much everything together. Plus, it’s nice to have four hands to do everything. One’s holding the bouquet and one’s wrapping the ribbon.”
The Ladies of the Empire House, as they like to say, have a self proclaimed “sweet tooth for imaginative beauty.”
“We do a lot of funk and like to risk things that have been done and see how far we can push the limits,” says Erica.
But the most important element are their clients’ wants and dreams.
“Our main goal is to not put across our idea but to really focus on the bride and groom,” explains Erica. “And give each one their dream wedding,” adds Elaine.
All while living their own dreams.
“We always toyed around with the idea of having a business of our own,” says Elaine. “We are just diving in and taking a leap of faith.”
“That’s how we have to live,” Erica adds.
“Part of my young adult life has been just ready to have an adventure with my sister,” says Elaine, “and this is definitely an adventure.”
For better or for worse.
— KATIE
Check out their Website www.theempirehouse.com to see some of what they dream up.