Fern Solomon is quick to credit Dr. Frank Blair, the man who owns the Belmont Shore property where her shop Fern’s Garden is located, for installing the solar panels that cut electricity bills to a fifth of their former cost. Her enthusiasm for providing her customers with unique gift items handcrafted by American artisans and Fair Trade products from overseas generates as much energy and even more good vibes than those panels on the roof.
Fern’s experience in the gift industry began 25 years ago when she and her brother Jacob Sokoloff began selling Jacob’s Musical Chime from their garage. The musically tuned wind chimes attracted a large following and were sold in small outlets across the country,
Over the years, many of these small stores have been forced out of business by large chains like Walmart and the unique, high-quality items they sold replaced by flimsy knock-offs produced by low-paid laborers outside the U.S.
After scaling back the production of wind chimes, Fern decided to set up her gift shop to make a start in re-establishing a market for the beautiful art and craft made by American artisans and fair-trade groups abroad. Her selection of products features eco-friendly soaps and candles and many art pieces incorporating recycled items. With an infectious smile, she leaned across the counter and confided, “These things come in waves, and I feel a shift coming. I have customers that return again and again, and they feel good about buying things that keep America strong and make them feel good too.”
Fern’s Garden
5308 E 2nd Street
(562) 434-6425
Monday to Saturday 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday ll am to 8 pm
Fern’s experience in the gift industry began 25 years ago when she and her brother Jacob Sokoloff began selling Jacob’s Musical Chime from their garage. The musically tuned wind chimes attracted a large following and were sold in small outlets across the country,
Over the years, many of these small stores have been forced out of business by large chains like Walmart and the unique, high-quality items they sold replaced by flimsy knock-offs produced by low-paid laborers outside the U.S.
After scaling back the production of wind chimes, Fern decided to set up her gift shop to make a start in re-establishing a market for the beautiful art and craft made by American artisans and fair-trade groups abroad. Her selection of products features eco-friendly soaps and candles and many art pieces incorporating recycled items. With an infectious smile, she leaned across the counter and confided, “These things come in waves, and I feel a shift coming. I have customers that return again and again, and they feel good about buying things that keep America strong and make them feel good too.”
Fern’s Garden
5308 E 2nd Street
(562) 434-6425
Monday to Saturday 10 am to 9 pm
Sunday ll am to 8 pm
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