North Shore Has New Jewelry Store And Garden Market
by Suzanne Walker
posted July 10, 2007
The Chattanoogan, TN
Through word of mouth and location, sister and brother business partners Shelley Ashley and Patrick Ashley say their jewelry and garden market is beginning to thrive. Down to Earth and North Shore Garden Market recently opened in Coolidge Park just to the right of the entrance road.
Originally from Georgia, Shelley said she has been in the silver jewelry business for over a decade. As a gemologist, she specializes in imports from Brazil.After 10 years of running several jewelry kiosks in Atlanta, she and her husband moved to Chattanooga and began renovating and restoring a house. During the holidays they opened a kiosk at Northgate Mall, she said
Several months ago Shelley said she was walking downtown and saw that the small building that they are now renting was for lease. Shelley said she loved it and after working in a mall kiosk she knew she would be able to utilize the 100 square foot space.
Now she and Patrick sell beaded jewelry, bridesmaids’ gifts, graduation gifts, custom made jewelry, silver jewelry and much more. They also do engraved gifts.
After Shelley set up the jewelry store she decided that she needed to utilize the outdoor space behind the building, so she and her brother created the North Shore Garden Market.
Patrick, who is a graduated Master Gardener from University of Tennessee in Knoxville’s gardening program, said he and Shelley sell a variety of plants for container gardening and local produce.
Shelley said they are encouraging local farmers to bring produce to sell. Currently they are selling peaches, watermelons, and other summer fruits. She said they will consistently sell herbs, watermelon, peaches and tomatoes.
She said many of the plants they sell are perfect for contained apartment gardens or window boxes. They also have hanging baskets of a variety of annuals. Patrick said they plan to sell perennials in the fall.
Jade and succulent plants are probably their two biggest sellers, said Shelley. If a customer has an interest in a plant that they do not currently have in their market, she said they can likely get it for them.
Patrick, who has loved caring and growing for plants since he was very young, grows vegetables and herbs in his garden in McDonald. Patrick said the plants are “guaranteed.†If a customer buys a plant and it gets sick, he said they should bring it back to him and he will take care of it until it becomes healthy again.
The Garden Market also sells garden art made of aggregate, stepping stones, and concrete planters.
