Anchors Aweigh for 'Daydreams & Doodads'
by Cate Murway
Navy veteran, E-5 Heather Davis’ brainchild, ‘Daydreams & Doodads’ is an all-American handmade gift boutique that showcases work from local artists and crafters. It is located on 204 Mill Street in historic Bristol on the Delaware, the space that formally housed an urban boutique, Pass & Stow.
Handmade is hip, and creativity is what the market wants. Making a living as an artist is hot topic these days. Heather will be proudly running her business with cornerstones of honesty, ethics and above all: personal creativity.
“Get underway, Navy, Decks cleared for the fray.
Full speed ahead” for the grand opening “sale” at break of day” from 10-8 p.m. on June 1st.
Join in the fun activities from 2:00- 6:00 p.m.
Saturday's child works hard for a living. Navy Air Traffic Controllers (AC) perform duties similar to civilian air traffic controllers, playing a key role in the effective use of Naval airpower throughout the world in operational and training environments. “I was an AC2”.
Heather announced plans to open her very own retail store, giving independent crafters an opportunity to ‘show and sell’ their wares.
Her past success just may be overshadowed by her future achievements.
This creative entrepreneur was born and raised in Philadelphia.
“As a kid, I wanted to be a veterinarian.” She graduated from the W. B. Saul High School of agricultural sciences and then tried her hand in several retail positions before investing the last 6 years until June 5, 2012 in the military.
“My intention was that when I got out of the Navy, I would be an air traffic controller
but the FAA [Federal Aviation Administration] just stopped hiring, so my plans went down the drain.”
Heather is resolute about not wanting to work for anyone else. Making use of her VA education benefit program with the G.I. Bill for education, she is pursuing a degree in small business management at BCCC with some online and some ‘on campus’ classes.
She has taken her creative skills and her passion for pets and has combined the two in order to make awesome, one-of-a-kind pet merchandise. She “goes bandanas”, flaunting her talents with sensational dog clothes, accessories and treats. Her special magic is added to each and every article she makes so your dog can rock a custom creation.
The compulsive crafter painted the walls of her ‘Daydreams & Doodads’ using her favorite color, “turquoise /teal-ish”. She also created a whimsical pinkish red tree with leaves and hearts for “that blank wall that was driving me bonkers.”
Heather comes from a family of crafters. “I grew up doing the craft show thing. I like high quality and unique. I was born to be crafty.” She baked with her maternal grandmother since she was a little kid. “We were never allowed to make anything from a mix. All my friends and family know me for making cupcakes.” Everyone’s favorite seems to be the vanilla ones but she said she makes a great “French toast” cupcake with butter cream icing. A local “Cupcake War”?
Heather is the youngest of three. The eldest, Wendy is the owner/operator of ‘Paradise Island Tanz’ and middle child, Nikki, is a country, folk, blues, roots, classic & Southern rock singer who will be performing on the ‘Daydreams & Doodads’ Grand Opening day.
Her mother, Jayne is a seamstress who fashions clothing for the 18-inch American Girl dolls.
“The first booth in my shop is her’s”.
The American Girl’s mission is to celebrate girls, to embrace who they are today and look forward to who they will become tomorrow and the company is headquartered in Middleton, WI. Heather is proud to be an American Girl!
Her father, Scott is a former contractor who now does woodworking. His uniquely designed decorative “keepsake” boxes with drawers will also be available in her shop. “He makes one every day to sell them in here.”
‘Daydreams & Doodads’ will feature an eclectic mixture of unique gift ideas, including distinctive baby shower gifts, American cards, “Healthy Living Soap & More” handmade soaps and lotions, little girls’ accessories, jewelry made of precious gems and wire, and glass jar “super scented” candles.
“Eden's Touch Bread Company” is stocking gluten-free mini gourmet loaves that are baked daily with no chemicals or preservatives. They are perfect for the snack on the go. Try the gourmet candy rainbow loaves!
“Pink Plaid Creations” is providing homemade chocolate treats [chocolate covered pretzels, lollipops, oreos and more], customizable for any occasion.
“Finishing Touch Jewelry” will showcase their sparkle with one-of-a-kind jewelry for the extraordinary women.
“Charmed Life by Kim” boasts handmade wine glass charms.
Refinished furniture, “bling-ed” glassware, chalkboard trays and a little bit of everything handmade will be displayed by “The Unique Mini Boutique”.
“When I met Heather, I thought ‘what an ambitious person’. First she served in the Navy, she is working towards a degree, she organized a craft event which by the way isn't easy, and she mentioned she was opening a store on the famous Mill Street in Bristol Borough. I was elated and wanted to be a part of being able to sell my things in her store.” Lorraine M. Cocci, proprietor of “The Unique Mini Boutique”.
It's time to start cleaning out your craft room! Heather is sincere about nurturing and encouraging artistic expression and commerce. More artisans are welcome to display their creations, set up their own offerings, decorate their area and then price their own items. There is personal and commercial value in handcrafting and Heather is passionate about being thorough.
Instead of just being a spring and fall thing, this handmade arcade of independent artists and small businesses will be opened year round.
Come on in. No need to knock! Her doorbell is “Dash” her tenacious, long haired dachshund.
“Like” the ‘Daydreams & Doodads’ face book page to get the coupon or bring this “spotlight” in to get the discount. Grand Opening Day - Receive 10% off of your purchase of $50 or more.
There is always a 10% discount for veterans and seniors.
Daydreams & Doodads
204 Mill Street
Bristol, PA 19007
Tuesday, Wednesday, & Thursday 11-7
Friday & Saturday 10- 8
Sunday 10-6
Recommend a “Spotlight”. E-mail vjmrun@yahoo.com
CLOSED MARCH 2015
