New consignment gift shop uses exclusively local artisans

VIRGINIA BEACH

For Heidi Doyle, a business trip to Denver brought home the importance of buying locally.

“I wanted to bring back authentic souvenirs from Colorado but couldn’t,” said the Bayside resident, explaining that her choices were mass produced elsewhere.

“I realized that a person could say much the same thing about Virginia Beach, and it started me thinking about opening a gift shop that was committed to local artists.”

Doyle’s first venture was a year ago as a bookkeeper at Medicare Pharmacy on Shore Drive.

“My boss, Mike Wessel, and I had talked about ways we could bring customers into the pharmacy,” she said. “After the Denver trip, we agreed that an artists’ consignment shop in the pharmacy would be a wonderful addition.”

The gift shop inside the pharmacy took off, Doyle said.

“It was a good fit because the pharmacy is also locally owned and independent,” she said. For roughly a year, Doyle managed the consigned art until it needed a site of its own.

“We just outgrew the pharmacy,” she said, adding that she still works part-time for Wessel.

Doyle opened Boo’s Gift Shop, close to the Chesapeake Bay Bridge-Tunnel. The shop is named for her son, an autistic adult, who is nicknamed “The Boo.”

“We’re all about family,” she said, noting that she will host special-needs shopping days during the year.

Shoppers will find gifts for giving and a little self indulgence, too. Pottery selections are both practical and decorative, with bowls, platters, vases and mugs from several area artists.

Boo’s has a plentiful supply of locally crafted jewelry, ranging from delicate sterling-silver necklaces, pendants, earrings and bracelets to unique, heavy chain-link designs.

Currently, the fine art featured at Boo’s are oil paintings and prints, including beachscapes of Duck Inn.

Textiles include knitted and crocheted shawls, children’s apparel, afghans, hats and scarves, as well as unusual, coiled-fabric bowls and handbags.

Handcrafted stationery covers every occasion with a local flair, and handmade balms, perfumes and salves make great gifts to pamper the body. Handmade clogs for adults and children come in bright colors.

Sports fans have an area filled with blankets, pillows, and themed gifts. Poolside loungers will find hand-painted glassware and pitchers, along with plenty of beach-themed decorative accents for home and yard.

One vendor recycles plastic bottles as colorful fish, perfect for a touch of whimsy in gardens or floral containers.

Thoroughgood resident Brice Maccubbin enjoys the convenience of shopping at Boo’s.

“I like the variety of affordable gifts that are all handmade by local artisans,” he said. “I’m able to get in and out quickly, away from the crowds at larger shopping venues.”

Currently, Doyle counts 36 vendors consigning their pieces in the shop. “I am extremely picky and only accept consigned pieces of very good quality,” she said.

Doyle said the space is also available for parties or showers, with catering by Sublime.