Dan's Papers - July 24, 2009 - Givin' You The Business

The summer season of 2009 is in mid stride with August 1 just around the corner. Over in Westhampton Beach, business has not been as strong as in past summers, which is not surprising, considering all that is going on in the world. However, there is hope in three new businesses in Westhampton Beach this summer. These are businesses owned by individuals that, despite the economic climate, decided to roll the dice on their dreams of being successful entrepreneurs. It is the spirit of these risk takers that will help bring our country's economy back in line. Karen Hogan, mother of five, has launched Studio Art on 22 Sunset Avenue is Westhampton Beach. This woman, who has teaching experience, has opened a studio for children of all ages to come in and do some "drop in art" that can range from painting, plaster molding, mosaics, jewelry making, sneaker designs, denim jacket designs, candle making, soap making and other skills. She has recently hooked up with the Four Seasons Caterers to do parties off-site, and business has been more than encouraging. The hours are Monday through Friday 9:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. and 9:30 to 9 p.m. on Friday and Saturday nights. Sunday is a 12 noon to 6 p.m. deal, with special hours always available for parties etc. Karen runs a summer camp at the 900 sq. ft. location as well.

Next is Whoa Nellie, a sort of Americana shop located on 1 Sunset Avenue. Owner John Cameron said the store has been well received. He said that as the store gets more known, business is really taking off, especially since July 4. There is another new Whoa Nellie store in Montauk. I found on the shelves a talking Obama Doll and temporary tattoos for elderly women, along with numerous retro looking signs. The hours are Monday - Thursday, 12 noon - 6 p.m., Friday - Saturday, noon to 10 p.m. and Sunday 12 - 7 p.m.

Over on 7 Moniebogue Lane is Lynn Stoller's new shop. A 20 year veteran of the Hamptons, Stoller chose this shop because she said, "They didn't have a shop like mine in Westhampton." What is her shop? She calls it "a high end consignment shop." The store is open from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m., Sunday through Thursday, while on Friday and Saturday, its hours are 10 a.m. to 9 p.m. Lynn said the "business response has been great." Objects range in price from $40 to $6,000 for a Chanel coat she just sold this weekend. She has Hermes purses in stock for $4,000 to $6,000. She also said she does a big Never Worn or Worn Once pre-owned shoe sale for women. "It's our biggest seller," she explained. Perhaps things are looking up after all.