A Strawberry Moon is now rising over Main Street Blairstown.
The Strawberry Moon Collective re-opened at 27 Main Street on July 11. It had been located on Route 94, but owner Dori Bellotti says the new space is even better.
To call the collective a consignment shop is understating what it really is. Yes, vendors utilize shelf space, but the shop is so much more. A spin around the interior reveals handmade jewelry, vintage clothing, charming tchotchkes, books by local authors and, above all, a friendly atmosphere.
Or as Dori would say, “a great vibe.”
Bellotti and her husband, Franco, a chef at Blair Academy, started their local business with a booth at the farmers market selling flavored lemonades. They decided they wanted more of a presence in their adopted town and rented their first location. When they found the new location was available, they jumped at the chance.
So did local artists and artisans.
Potential vendors keep contacting Bellotti, delighted by the layout and the merchandise on display.
Most of the artists are local, but one is from Keyport, Bellotti said, and one or two others aren’t strictly local. Instead of flat leases, the vendors share their profits, keeping 65% and giving 35% to the shop.
Dori and Franco scoured garage sales and bulk pickup days for the furniture that holds the items, creating a colorful and eclectic space.
Adding to the ambiance is the kitchen where Bellotti serves hot coffee and tea, two types of matcha, cold brew and a whipped honey cinnamon chai along with their signature lemonades, which include strawberry and mango flavors. Dori is on the lookout for a commercial convection oven and espresso machine. The shop works with Pignoli’s Bakery for snack items.
“We will have more offerings, but we’ll keep it simple,” she said.
Have Fun, Take Classes
The shop has two back rooms, one of which is used for Strawberry Patch Kids, a “mommy (or daddy or whoever) and me” program accessed through the back entrance.
The rooms are used as classrooms for a wide variety of offerings including Magic the Gathering, which they offered especially for the Ridge and Valley Charter School; crocheting, which attracts a large number of children; modge-podge, which is apparently making a comeback; mosaics and pretty much anything a local craftsperson wants to offer.
“Everything is on wheels,” Bellotti said, noting the back rooms can easily be set up for different uses.
Yoga and reiki sessions are offered as is tea service and oracle cards, and there are times during the day when the back rooms are open to public use.
A seating area at the front can also be used for classes and presentations, including from local authors. Large outdoor toys dot the lawn, open to children from the neighborhood.
Used books are sold at the shop, but only new books by local authors are featured. “I’m a book hoarder,” Bellotti admits.
“We’re not a community center, but we like to be a community space,” she said.
The Bellottis have lived in Blairstown for eight years. They have six children, most of whom attend Ridge and Valley.
Dori feels her “job” is mainly making connections and welcoming people to her unique space.
Strawberry Moon is open Friday, Saturday and Sunday 9 a.m. to 4 p.m., Wednesday and Thursday 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., closed Monday and Tuesday.
Jane Primerano is a veteran journalist covering Warren County municipalities, agriculture, and historic preservation. Her work has appeared in New Jersey Monthly, New Jersey Farmer, and more. A past president of NJ Press Women and SPJ NJPro, she lives in Hope Village and enjoys music, singing with the Warren County Community Singers, reading, and the Jersey Shore.
- Jane Primerano, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jane-primerano-contributing-writer/
- Jane Primerano, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jane-primerano-contributing-writer/
- Jane Primerano, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jane-primerano-contributing-writer/
- Jane Primerano, Contributing Writerhttps://ridgeviewecho.com/author/jane-primerano-contributing-writer/
