HOPEWELL — A new business will open this summer in downtown Hopewell. However, the name of the craft shop is a mystery.
Up-and-coming downtown business owner Ann Audrey Eliades Kirk opted for a fun store name.
“Each day we will post a letter like they do on ‘Wheel of Fortune,'” Kirk of Hopewell said. “It caused a lot of discussion on social media.”
Kirk’s new business venture is located at 226 E. Broadway in a building constructed in 1919. In 1925 his great-grandfather George Eliades purchased it. He immigrated from Samos, Greece, to America in 1916.
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“Our goal is to sell handicrafts, gifts and art products from local artisans,” Kirk said.
The entrepreneur reached out to artisans all over the Tri-Cities and beyond, such as Charlottesville and the East Coast. Its goal is to have a variety of items, foods, and prizes available.
“We’re building classrooms so artisans can teach their craft to all ages,” Kirk said. “Over 50 artisans responded to our initial survey and expressed interest in selling their craft items with us. Our new goal is to reach over 100 artisans.”
Ann Audrey Eliades Kirk
The 26-year-old entrepreneur currently teaches second grade at North Elementary School in Prince George’s County. Previously, she taught third grade at Dupont Primary School in Hopewell.
Kirk is also the owner of Neat As Can Be, an organizing business, and she helps run their family business Waste Knot Trash.
“This will be my last year of teaching so I can focus on my family and my new business,” Kirk said. “Our baby is due in July.”
To play the game, follow @Ann Audrey Eliades Kirk on Facebook for additional hints. Email neatascanbe1@gmail.com for more information.
If you’re wondering, Kirk’s new business is located near Haley’s Honey Meadery, Downtown Pups, Room ESC and The Beacon Theatre.
Will you be the first to guess the name of the latest addition to E. Broadway?
– Kristi K. Higgins, aka The Social Butterfly columnist, is the food news and Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Do you have a current tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (her, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram and follow progress-index.com.