A new gift shop on Route 1 in Bucksport opened in January, bringing a new, locally owned place to buy jewelry, greeting cards, candles and other assorted items.
Located at 169 Route 1, K Designs Home and Gift grew out of a hobby for lifelong resident Ashley Burpee, who came up with her business idea after selling her own crafts directly to customers.
She opened the storefront, one of a few small gift shops in the area, to bring local shoppers new, fresh options with a sense of humor. Signs, tea towels, cards and drink cozies bear cheeky sayings such as, “If found empty, please refill,” and “Good moms say bad words.”
“I like shops that reflect on people’s personalities, so I really wanted to add a lot of that into my store,” Burpee said. “I wanted really pretty things, but also funny and snarky things, just because that’s how we are.”
Burpee started her operation at a time when several other small businesses have been opening or changing hands in the Bucksport area.
Several years ago, Burpee started creating vinyl letter signs to sell at local craft fairs. She loved the social aspect of selling directly to customers and talking about their purchases.
Last year, she started thinking about opening a store and decided to add additional retail wares as a way to make the business model work.
Burpee didn’t have to move far to find a space. She previously worked as a property manager for her husband’s business, Two Rivers Realty, and has opened the storefront in a renovated garage that’s attached to it. The light, sunny space overlooks the Penobscot River. She named it K Designs after her daughter Kinsley, who can now visit both her parents at work.
The store’s offerings include a changing selection of jewelry, mugs, pillows, accessories, cards, Yankee and WoodWick candles, Stonewall Kitchen food and BruMate travel mugs. Burpee also enjoys putting together gift baskets for customers.
She wasn’t sure about opening a business in the winter, but said her first month has been “phenomenal.” Future plans include pop-up events with local businesses.
K Designs is open 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Monday, Tuesday, Thursday and Friday and 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Saturdays.