“I like helping people and trying to keep our community thriving,” said local business owner, Rebecca Power. Power’s partnership with Jan Kinnison has created a foundation for downtown Atlantic. Kinnison opened J & R Tax Service in 1967 and Powers joined her in 1974. Since then they have obtained ownership of several local businesses, including the iconic Bonnesen’s 5 & 10.

After opening the J & R Tax Service, Power and Kinnison first acquired Unique Salon & Spa in 1993. In 2004 they were approached by Dorothy Bonnesen’s son about buying Bonnesen’s. He chose them because he knew they would keep the store’s original charm. 

In 2011, the Hallmark Building became available. Power’s daughter Rachel thought it would be fun to open a primitive type store and Aunt B’s was created. In 2012 they were asked about putting in a flower shop, which started Aunt B’s Floral. 

Bonnensen’s was eventually moved from the old store and combined into Aunt B’s store in 2016. Having everything in one building made it easier. However, Power and Kinnison decided to close Bonneson’s this year. The challenge began with a lack of workers but developed with product availability and cost. “It was disappointing to have to close Bonnensen’s because we worked so hard to try to keep it open,” said Power. 

The Aunt B’s side of the store will remain in business, and the Bonneson’s popular candy counter is now up and running in Aunt Bea’s. “Most people don’t know what an old fashion 5 and Dime is,” said Power. 

Spreading beyond downtown, Power’s daughter approached them about opening her own dance studio. It was the villa where Kinnison originally had her bar and restaurant that turned into a dance studio in 2005 named Villa Dance. The restaurant was bought from Kinnison but ultimately bought back to create Villa Dance. The dance studio eventually outgrew the small building so in 2016 a new building was put up. “It’s huge and she fills it,” Power said.

Power and Kinnison have worked in accordance with each other for 43 years. Power attributes meeting Kinnison as the turning point in her life. “I would’ve never done any of this without her,” she said, “She’s the go-getter and I’m the one that sits at the desk and makes the financial statement to figure out if we can do it or not.”