Laurie Ray: Serial Entrepreneur Spotlight in Cape Girardeau | 573 Magazine
- Thomas Smugala
- Apr 21
- 3 min read
Updated: Apr 25
In a world bent on global domination, it’s always good to know that there are hard-working small business owners who are busy dominating their world—serial entrepreneurs. I’m certain you all know that we at 573 Magazine do truly love our local small business owners. We go out of our way to help promote and spotlight all the hard-won successes that many local small business owners achieve in the 573—hands down, some of the most creative, passionate, and hard-working people I have ever come across. I am always amazed by the talent that hides out in these hills.
Recently, we’ve given the exclusive 573 title of “Serial Entrepreneur” to a very special person we’ve known for years. She has her hard-working hands in many successful ventures in Cape, and recently started a new project renovating a vintage building on Broadway downtown Cape that will soon be bright area lofts, city garden verandas, and a couple of storefronts, all preserved in their original state as close as possible. Starting with practically nothing out of the US Army, she launched an interior design business, a large antique shop (AnnieLaurie's), a swank restaurant, historic Airbnbs, and a historic retail outlet. Yup, meet serial entrepreneur and our friend Laurie Ray.
Laurie Ray from Cape is a dynamo.
Anyone who has ever met Laurie Ray from Cape Girardeau will tell you she is a dynamo. Owner of Annie Laurie’s, an eclectic emporium of everything you never knew you needed, Laurie keeps her shop on Broadway loaded with cool stuff like vintage vinyl, unique furniture, plants, on-trend clothing, and all types of one-of-a-kind treasures. The Indie House. It’s a rehabbed Gothic Victorian House (across the street from Annie Laurie’s). It is home to all female-owned, independent businesses. On the property is the original carriage house, which is now an Airbnb guesthouse. The Guesthouse blends modern amenities with historic charm in a cozy, compact space. Now, Laurie has teamed up with her husband, Rob, to create a new historic happening on Broadway.
I’ve always been drawn to old spaces with good bones and a story to tell.
My name is Laurie Ray, owner of Annie Laurie’s. I’ve always been drawn to old spaces with good bones and a story to tell. For nearly 20 years, I’ve built businesses around beauty, historic preservation, and giving new life to things people may have passed by.
I’d rather rehab a historic property a hundred times over—something built to outlast my lifetime—than do a new build any day.
This 431 Broadway building caught my eye because of its history. Under all the layers, there were original hardwoods, stories from its past, and so many beautiful details just waiting to come back to life. Honestly, I’d rather rehab a historic property a hundred times over—something built to outlast my lifetime—than do a new build any day.
Laurie wants to keep all the history of the building.
My husband and I may someday split time between here and Florida when we ease up a little, but for now, designing and creating beautiful spaces is just part of who I am—I don’t really see myself ever fully slowing down.
My husband and I may someday split time between here and Florida...
431 Broadway is going to be spectacular.
The courage to do anything really comes from instinct. After rehabbing two other big historic buildings on Broadway and a smaller historic carriage house, I trust my vision, and I’ve learned to believe in what I can see- even if it’s super rough at first. 431 Broadway is going to be spectacular.
Rob and Laurie's dream spot.
The courage to do anything really comes from instinct.
Laurie wants to keep all the spaces bright and open.
431 Broadway is going to be a great walk up!
You can't be afraid to get your hands dirty.
Time to get busy with that broom!
Laurie Ray—the exclusive 573 title of “Serial Entrepreneur.”
Cape Girardeau, a charming city nestled on the banks of the mighty Mississippi River, with its rich history, vibrant culture, and scenic beauty, truly has it going on. Once a bustling 18th-century trading post, the city has evolved into a thriving hub of art, education, and community. The echoes of the past can still be heard down Broadway, lined with quaint shops, art galleries, charming cafes, fine-dining restaurants, and nightclubs.
Get Out There! Take an adventure. Start a business. Go for a hike. Sing in the shower. Do something. Do anything. Get out there, that sunken sofa won't miss you.
—Pics and words by Supreme Leader Smugala
Reach the beyond with WorkSPACE—co-working space in Farmington.
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