What started as an idea and then came to fruition in a dream is now becoming a reality for a local business owner.
Northern Lights Gift Shop will open its doors on November 7, and owner Ann Kelly originally wanted to open a nature store two decades ago but it was an idea that never came to be as she was busy with her family and job at a Christian bookstore in Stratford.
“I worked there for 32 years,” said Kelly. “The owners closed the store in 2019, and I got another retail job, but I would hear from people about how they missed the Christian bookstore.”
The concept for the store came to Kelly in a dream seven or eight years ago.
“In my dream the Northern Lights are on full display,” said Kelly. “My neighbours are all asleep but I go to their doors knocking and waking them up to come see the Northern Lights because it doesn’t happen very often. The dream ended and I had this thought go through my mind that I should be more excited about telling people about the Creator of the Northern Lights.”
Fast forward to earlier this year, and Kelly was having coffee with friend (and soon-to-be employee) Joan Alli, and they discuss the idea between themselves, and decided to make it a reality.
“It was May 10, which is my mothers birthday, and I also saw the Northern Lights with my son on May 10 as well, but it was that day that Joan and I started looking at locations,” said Kelly. “ We went to three different locations but at 51 York Street we talked to the owners and got the keys the same day.”
Kelly's business partner will handle the day-to-day operations and the books, while Kelly herself will work at the shop and handle the product aspect of the business
“Where do you go and buy a new Bible in Stratford, sure you can go to Amazon, but I want people to find the right one for them,” said Kelly. “We will also have things like mugs, cards, and eventually we will add some natural aspects like fossils.”
Northern Lights Gift Shop will be Open Monday to Saturday from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. and is located at 51 York Street beside Jenn and Larry's Ice Cream. To learn more or see what kind of products and services will be offered head over to the businesses Facebook page.
