Waterford Small Business Spotlight: Grey House Gift Shop

Every local business has a story worth sharing with the community. And that’s the belief behind this exciting series — to shine the spotlight on all our favorite local businesses, and to learn a little about the ones we may not know that well.

Business: The Grey House Gift Shop
Owners: Patricia A Snyder
Website: www.thegreyhouse13.com
Address: 58 Norwich Road (Rt 32), Quaker Hill, CT 06375

How did you come up with the name?

The “Grey House” is the name of the home of a sea captain from the Susan Cooper book, Over Sea, Under Stone, a well ordered, quaint place and one of my favorite books.

Why start a business in this town?

Owning a shop has long been a dream of mine. I was looking for a location that would complement the local community and not compete with an already established business.

What business are you in?

The Grey House is a gift shop, with a striving for items that are unusual, moderately priced and when possible, American made.

What’s the most difficult challenge you’ve faced as a business owner?

Trying to find the right avenue of advertising to promote my 10 month old business!

What’s been your proudest achievement since opening?

Helping several customers find what they have needed when they felt overwhelmed.

How does your business give back to the community?

I strongly believe in, and support “Safe Futures” (formerly the Women’s Center of SECT) at 16 Jay St, N. London, CT 06320.

Would you like to see your small business showcased in this series? Email wendy.mitchell@ patch.com.