Holly Hoenig’s dream of owning a small business came true when Nightshade held its grand opening on April 12.
She and her husband, Joe, worked for weeks to redo a portion of the former Houghton Lumber Company on Front Street. It features craft supplies of all kinds, and for all ages to enjoy. Large collections of cross-stitch kits, puzzles, yarn, books, paints and painting kits line the decorated walls and cupboards.
“We like to think of it as a boutique,’ said Hoenig. “Our items are unique, and we have included lots of DIY kits, felt crafts and macrame, with more items coming.”
The center of the room contains a large basket of fun pet toys for dogs and cats. “These are great for gifts,” Hoenig said.
She also carries gift items such as fun coffee cups, handmade soap, books, pens and travel games.
“Even if you are not into crafts, the store has great gifts for the crafters and non-crafters in your life,” she said.
A lifelong resident of Galva, Hoenig is a Galva High School graduate and recently completed her degree in psychology from the University of Illinois. Her parents, Melody and Mike Heck, are also long-time Galvans, and she gives her mother credit for the inspiration to open the shop.
“My mother has always been artistic and is well known for her beautiful needlework,” said Hoenig, adding that her encouragement has been wonderful.
Son Jude, 7, and daughter Addison, 10, also play an important role in the business. Jude, she said, claims to be her business partner and trainspotter (the store is just across the street from the railroad yard), and Addison is her marketing exec. Both wear their Nightshade T-shirts to school and spread the word about the shop among friends and teachers.
The new shop owner has stocked several craft and activity items for those with neurodivergent conditions and sensory issues.
“It’s hard to find such items,” she said. “And with a son on the autistic spectrum, I felt it was important to stock them.”
Pop culture-themed items are also plentiful. An array of Golden Books features stories about such celebrity icons as the Golden Girls, Taylor Swift, and Dolly Parton, while cross-stitch kits with “I Self-Medicate with Ice Cream” and “Powered by Iced Coffee” will make both the stitcher and any lucky recipient smile.
She also wants to see more small businesses in the area. The young entrepreneur explained that there are fewer and fewer local stores that sell craft items, and it’s hard for many crafters to drive to a bigger city or order things online.
“Most crafters I know want to see and feel the items they buy,” she said. “The big box stores are at least an hour away and can be daunting for some.”
Hoenig feels that by purchasing locally, both time and gas money are saved. “And that means more crafting.”
Giving back to the community is also important to her. Both she and her husband, who purchased Tarleton’s Garage five years ago, support such events as the Levitt AMP concert series.
“I want to help Galva grow,” she said.
The name “Nightshade” is an extension of Hoenig’s love of Fleetwood Mac’s Stevie Nicks. “One of my favorite songs is Nick’s Belladonna, which is made from the plant nightshade,” she said. “I liked the sound of it.”
The tag line on the sign outside the shop is “Get a Hobby!” She feels it helps identify the building as a craft store and adds extra fun to the name.
Hoenig plans to add more items to the store. She mentions rubber stamps and more watercolor materials and painting supplies as things already on order.
The store is located at 120 Front Street, a few doors east of the police station. Currently, hours are Monday – Saturday from 10 am – noon and 1 pm – 6 pm. It is closed for lunch from noon -1 pm.
Information on the store can be found on its Facebook page, or you can email her at nightshadegalva@gmail.com.
