New special stores arrive, window displays change with the seasons and initiatives move, expand or a store within a store appears. There is no shortage of entrepreneurial spirit and innovative ideas. The stories of these three creative entrepreneurs demonstrate this.
A tour of downtown Dordrecht continues to surprise!
Beautiful things that make you happy at Purper Interior
Since October 1, downtown has been home to a surprising interior design store: Purper Interior. Bertine and Maud (mother and daughter) transformed the first floor of the former Tea Shop on Nieuwstraat into a paradise for lovers of exclusive, colorful pillows, lamps, candles, rugs, paintings and many more beautiful items. Bertine: "Everything is highly personally selected by us." Maud: "That can also be vintage. Refurbished items that we give a new life." That Purper Interior's awning matches that of its neighbor, No.38 City Bakery Café, is no coincidence. Maud took over this cozy lunchroom from her mother Bertine more than three years ago. That mother and daughter started Purper Interior together is something they take for granted. "We both love styling, color and special things that make you happy. In addition, we also get along very well. Nice right?"
Purple Interior, Nieuwstraat 36
Ink n Ray creates unique anime manga tattoos
On Sept. 24, Ray Ocampo's dream came true with the official opening of Ink.n.Ray Tattoo Studio. After working in several tattoo shops in recent years, this is his first business of his own. Moreover, it is the first and only tattoo shop in Dordrecht that specializes in Japanese style anime manga. But that's not all, this tattoo studio also does black & grey and fineline tattoos. Also special: from the cozy Vriesestraat you can look right in, unlike most tattoo shops. "That's a conscious choice," Ray explains enthusiastically. "With my shop I don't want to conform to the stereotype of a dark shadowy tattoo shop. Everyone is allowed to watch what I do and everyone is also welcome. I want to keep the threshold literally and figuratively as low as possible for people to come in. And if clients do want more privacy, I just put up a screen."
Ink.n.Ray Tattoo Studio, Vriesestraat 15
Allenbrand's available at Grandpa & An
It was a bit of a scare for some Dordrians. Allenbrand' s popcorn store on the Voorstraat was gone. Completely gone? No, fortunately not. The family recipe handmade popcorn can be found a hundred meters away at Opa & An. Owner Pascalle Miller didn't hesitate for a moment when she was asked to be an outlet. "I always ate it and it makes me happy. This popcorn is made with love and passion. You can taste that. Besides, it fits well with the other products in my store: fun unique gifts for young and old. Think of candles, soaps, wooden toys, but also special books. Sustainability and quality are of paramount importance. This also applies to Allenbrand's popcorn with special flavors such as syrup waffle, sweet & salty and red velvet. Those who want can always taste first."
Grandpa & An, Voorstraat 306
