Though Nguyen's jewelry making endeavours ended when winter came, a new store called Razzberry Kiss, scheduled to open Oct. 14, might rekindle her interest. Located in Olde Nugget Alley directly behind Wheelock Books, Razzberry Kiss will sell pre-made pieces as well as the supplies needed to make bead jewelry, including loose beads and jewelry making supplies.
The store will offer jewelry making classes and a service that matches custom-designed jewelry to a favorite skirt or top that a customer brings in.
Elizabeth Gil de Rubio, the owner and operator of the shop, decided to open the store after many years of jewelry making as a hobby.
"So many people commented on my pieces. Eventually, my husband and my children suggested I open my own store," she said.
De Rubio, who once worked in an orthodontist's office in Hanover, believes that the area is uniquely suited to this kind of shop.
"Hanover is the only place for this store. There's good foot traffic, and the clientele we want is here," she said. "Tourism never hurts, and you have tourism year round here."
De Rubio also believes that the bulk of her customers will come from the college population.
"A big part of it will be the college girls. There may be some guys as well, if they're interested in buying things made of hemp and that kind of thing," she said.
Rent in Hanover is typically much higher than in the surrounding area. De Rubio says her low entry costs, as well as family support, will help her to make a profit.
"The overhead and the inventory is pretty low. My daughter will be the manager, and we may have to hire one other person depending on the foot traffic," she said.
Some students said they thought Razzberry Kiss will fill a void in Hanover's business district.
"I'm sure there are other people interested in jewelry making at Dartmouth. That will provide a venue for exploration of people's creative side," Nguyen said.
Sandy Beauregard Th '07 wasn't interested in making jewelry herself, but was enthusiastic about the matching service.
"I don't make jewelry, but if you have an outfit and you needed jewelry to go with it, that would be really nice," she said.
Victoria Boggiano contributed to the reporting of this article.
