From garden decorations and fountains, to handbags, wall art and soap, Cranbury’s new business brings an eclectic variety of handmade, one of a kind and repurposed antiques and collectibles.
Drawing inspiration from her husbands landscaping company, Debbie Field opened Around the Garden Boutique and Garden Design today on Park Place off Main Street.
“It’s been my lifelong dream, to own a little shop,” Field said.
A flight attendant for 21 years, Field always had the idea of owning a small business, and in the past two and a half months, turned that idea into reality.
“It has been such a labor of love,” Field said.
Using the Cranbury Craft Fair to find local vendors, Field stocked her shop with pottery, paintings and handmade blown glass from people she met at the fair. One man has been painting for 30 years and this is the first time his work has been showcased in a shop.
“I’m honored to be a shop owner. I’m honored to have all these people’s work in my shop,” Field said.
The indoor and outdoor items range from a $5 bar of soap, to $200 collectibles. There is no set merchandise in the shop, as it is always evolving, Field said. Handbags come from both the United States and Europe, and vintage bags and jewelry are also sold.
“I’m the one who hunts for the treasures,” Field said. “Everything in the store has been hand picked by me.”
Although Field and her husband, Chris, and three daughters Nicole, 10, Ashley, 8, and Shelby, 5, live in East Windsor, she knew Cranbury was the right place for this shop – given its small town vibe.
“I feel a deep connection with the people here and so much support,” Field said. “I really feel that people want a place to come that they can touch and be a part of things that are handmade,” Field said.
Field said she wants Cranbury to be a destination, and believes having many small, local business will draw people to the town not only to shop, but also to eat and browse.
To tie the shop in with her husband’s landscaping business, Around The Garden Landscaping in Hightstown, garden design services are available through her shop. Field said her husband has been extremely supportive helping her open the business.
Field strives to give everything a personal touch – from gift-wrapping each item to send home with customers to leaving her cell phone number posted on the door.
“I want it to be an experience,” Field said.
The shop opens Friday and there are no set hours, as it will vary week to week. Customers are invited to call Debbie Field on her cell phone, 609-638-5341, if the store is closed and they wish to shop. Around The Garden Boutique accepts credit cards, cash and checks, and gift certificates are available.
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