HOPEWELL — A new business will open this summer in downtown Hopewell. However, the name of the artisan shop is a mystery.
Owner Ann Audrey Eliades Kirk of downtown's up-and-coming business opted for a fun store name reveal.
"Each day we will display a letter like they do on 'Wheel of Fortune,'" Kirk of Hopewell said. "This has caused a lot of chatter on social media."
Kirk's new business venture is located at 226 E. Broadway in a building built in 1919. In 1925, her late Great Grandfather George Eliades purchased it. He immigrated from Samos, Greece to America in 1916.
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"Our focus is on selling local artisans' handcrafted items, gifts and art products," Kirk said.
The entrepreneur has reached out to artisans all over the Tri-Cities and beyond such as Charlottesville and the Eastern Shore. Her goal is to have a variety of items, foods and prices available.
"We are building classroom space for artisans to teach their craft to all ages," Kirk said. "Over 50 artisans have completed our initial survey showing interest in selling their handcrafted items with us. Our new goal is to reach over 100 artisans."
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Ann Audrey Eliades Kirk
The 26-year-old entrepreneur currently teaches second grade at North Elementary School in Prince George County. Previously, she taught third grade at Dupont Elementary School in Hopewell.
Kirk also owns Neat As Can Be, an organizing business, and she helps operate their family-owned business Waste Knot Trash.
"This will be my last year of teaching so I can focus on family and my new business," Kirk said. "Our baby is due in July."
To play along, follow @Ann Audrey Eliades Kirk on Facebook for additional clues. Send an email to neatascanbe1@gmail.com for more information.
If you are wondering, Kirk's new biz 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 E. Broadway's newest addition?
— Kristi K. Higgins aka The Social Butterfly columnist is the trending topics and food Q&A reporter at The Progress-Index. Have a news tip on local trends or businesses? Contact Kristi (she, her) at khiggins@progress-index.com, follow @KHiggins_PI on Twitter @socialbutterflykristi on Instagram, and subscribe to us at progress-index.com.
This article originally appeared on The Progress-Index: Hopewell artisan shop: Handcrafted items, foods, classes for all ages