Name of owner: Sharon Black
Year you opened for business: 2006
How would you describe your business? Very eclectic. We carry bee- theemed items, local honey and a little bit of everything. There’s a lot to see… we’re actually bursting at the seams!
Briefly describe your typical client/customer. All ages: from old to very young. I’m pleased to see younger people take interest in older things, moreso in the past. People that love hats, jewelry, pottery… it’s a really good mix of customers.
What is one thing most people do not know about your business that would surprise him/her? A lot of people come in and ask how long I’ve been here and ask ”How did I miss this?”
What do you enjoy most about doing business in your district/community? I love the people and the atmosphere. It’s a great little town to be in. There’s so much to offer: history, events, and there’s always something going on.
What do you enjoy most about doing business in Hampton Roads? I just love the area. So much to offer… you can get to so many places from here. Great location and I enjoy that it’s coastal.
What challenges do you face as a business owner? Getting through the slow periods. Typically January and February are slow months in the business. I think it’s a challenge in this economy to keep your head above the water. You jJst want to hang on and make it work.
What’s in store for your business in the future? I’m looking forward to the summer and better weather, tourist season is always good. Activities going on here put a lot of feet on the street.
What could local government do to help small business owners in your business district (besides lower taxes)? I feel like we don’t get much support from them right now. They seem to be focusing on bigger things, but we need the small businesses here and they need to help us and work with us any way they can. The OTBA works really hard to keep things going, come up with new ideas. But I think there’s a lot going on with economy and I think small business going through the cracks.
What is one thing your business district needs? People working together and coming up with new innovative ideas to get people out here, involved in things and doing things.
