Olde Ipswich Shop & Gallery
October 15, 2024
Who are you and what is your business?
I am Johanne Cassia and I founded and manage Olde Ipswich Shop & Gallery, 83 County Road, Ipswich, MA. We opened on Halloween in 1999. We are celebrating our 25th year in business.
Please provide a brief description of your company.
The shop has developed into both a gift shop and folk art gallery offering made in America goods. We currently have a strong focus on my Folk Art paintings, prints and artist cards. As an early American folk artist, I paint 17th and 18th Century scenes which include maritime, landscape and traditional holiday Images. We continue to offer gifts, collectibles, select furnishings, jewelry, lighting, hand hooked rugs and seasonal decor.
What inspired you to start your business and what keeps you going?
My shop was founded on my passion for history, early architecture and antiques. We live in a 1600’s house in Ipswich that boasts the most first period homes in America. I began painting a few years after shop was opened. Now, my love of painting is the driving force behind the goods I offer in the shop. As an award winning artist, I’m honored that I create artist products for John Adams National Park and other historic museums. My work has been offered at the American Folk Art Museum and Winterthur Museum and others.
What is it like being a female entrepreneur?
I’ve had the good fortune of having other women entrepreneurs close by. We have created successful events and developed marketing programs that have boosted our profits. We were awarded the “Essex National Heritage Award for Partnering” because we created a brochure that connects “Woman owned businesses on the Essex Scenic Coastal Byway.”
What advice would you give to other female business owners?
My advice to female entrepreneurs is to evaluate all the skills you have. Find professionals who have the skills you don’t have to help you.
Do you have a goal you want the business to achieve in the next one, 5, or 10 years?
My personal and business goal is to continue my passion for painting. I’m so fortunate that so many have supported my business over the past 25 years.
Why do you love the Greater Cape Ann region and doing business locally?
The Cape Ann region provides all the subjects for all of my artwork.
Do you have any female role models or leaders who’ve inspired you?
I’ve admired many women who have inspired me. Every woman who makes the decision to create her income by using her intellect, ingenuity, skills and determination is someone to study.
As someone doing business in this area, how has or how can the Chamber help your business?
I’m a retail business owner. I own my shop and all of my inventory. Chamber members can support the members by shopping in our stores. Highlighting women business owners by including them in weekly newsletter is great marketing for all.
Contact Info
Olde Ipswich Shop & Gallery
83 County Rd.
Ipswich MA 01938
(978) 502-8838
https://www.oldeipswich.art
