Fort Payne is a small city with limited activities for children and adults, but recently a game store called Fever Dream opened, providing a space for people to play games and attend unique events. The store, started by Angel and Michael LeFever has become a new community hub. Angel shares her experiences as a woman and business owner, discussing her favorite aspects of the store, influential women in her life, and her advice for young women pursuing business dreams. This article also addresses the importance of such inclusive spaces in empowering women and girls in the community.
Angel, what are some of your favorite things about Fever Dream?
Obviously, the décor. I had a blast shopping thrift stores for all the little unique pieces poking out here and there. I want there to be something interesting to see anywhere the eye falls. On a more serious note, my favorite thing is when I’m inside, I feel as comfortable and safe as I do at home. I do suffer from severe anxiety, so I had to make sure the store felt like a home. I feel like if I can feel comfortable here, then almost anyone can. Our customers have totally caught on to the vibe and relax with us, and it makes my heart super happy.
Can you tell me about some women that have been most influential to you?
This may sound rather pretentious, but the woman I have always found to be empowering is Elizabeth The Great. Queen Elizabeth the First. She was a woman that every man wanted to belittle and take down. They wanted to deny her birthright and overshadow her good opinion. Elizabeth was a powerhouse. If she was told no, she would scoff and do as she pleased. She fought wars and won. She wasn’t a silly woman simply put on this Earth to please the man and bring forth children. She was a force still remembered and studied today.
And now for someone the same, but in a different wig, ( I kid), Dolly Parton. Dolly is a powerhouse as well, but her kindness precedes her when walking in a room. Dolly supports women and children and quite frankly, she may be Americas first saint. I hope to be remembered for my kindness as well.
What advice would you give to a younger woman about following her business dreams?
Research everything. Make sure there is an actual demand for your service. Get a lawyer and a good accountant. Having an idea for a store and actually opening one are miles apart. It’s a long road, and it will take far more capital than you intended.
Do you think that offering more inclusive spaces like these would add value and a positive influence to the women and girls of our community?
I certainly hope so. I would have definitely hung out here when I was a teen (coughs) 25 (coughs) years ago. When I was in school, we didn’t have such a place. My friends were party girls and that wasn’t my thing, so I tended to be alone a lot on weekends. I was far too afraid of the opposite sex to date. I have to be honest, when I see the teens hanging out in the store my heart gets the most wholesome jealousy. I wish I would have had that, but I’m so damn proud that now I provide it. They are young and figuring themselves out, but so free and open about it. I’m glad I provide a space where anyone can just be. So yeah, wear your cute little outfits and tell me about your niche interests. I love it."
What do you think are some things that women can do to empower other women and girls in our community?
Actually support one another. That means leaving our own ego at the door. We need to build each other up and not be in competition with each other! One of the best ways to start is to stop gossiping. You aren’t empowering a woman if you are sharing her story behind her back. You are tearing her down if you spread a story you don’t even know to be true. I see inspirational quotes about having to grow in silence because of people wanting to bring you down, and that breaks my heart. What breaks my heart even more is that I found this to be true. When I decided to turn my life around, I had to accept my faults in my situation, and it wasn’t easy. It’s not easy to admit when you are wrong or that you could have done better. It’s super easy to push the blame on others. I accepted my blame and saw my mistakes, but I also did the best thing I have done for myself. I set up personal boundaries. I cut out people from my life completely who had used me. I cut off gossipers and manipulators. Let’s stop bringing each other down and start lifting each other up! Give a compliment; it’s free and takes seconds. Check on someone for reasons other than any selfish gain it might have to you. Accept people for who they are, even if it doesn’t fit into your rather narrow perception of reality.”
Every small town or city in the South would greatly benefit from its own version of Fever Dream. This concept offers a sanctuary for community interaction, a space where girls and women are afforded the same respect and inclusion as boys and men. Picture an outing for a mother and her children, not only cost-effective but also free from the usual stresses. Often, all it requires is a visionary couple with a new idea to make this dream a reality. Fever Dream is more than just a place; it's a community cornerstone, a testament to equality, and a beacon of hope for families seeking quality time together without financial strain or societal pressures.
If you ever find yourself in Fort Payne, Alabama, make sure to visit Angel at Fever Dream. You can buy a game or enjoy playing one of the many available at their tables. Discover a variety of stones and jewelry, some crafted locally by talented women. Take part in events where you can learn to play new games like Sabacc, Magic, or Dungeons and Dragons. Support this valuable addition to the small community.
Throughout the month we will share more interviews with inspirational women from our community. You can subscribe for free to receive these, and other posts, directly to your inbox, and follow along with everything we are doing on Facebook and Instagram.