Local Business Profile (Better Block Edition): Fairview Place

This week, Norfolk Live! has been recognizing some of the local businesses that will be featured during this week’s Better Block in the proposed Norfolk Arts District.  Today, we feature Fairview Place, owned by Ashley Grove. 

What is Fairview Place?

AG: Fairview Place is a home to all vintage goodness relating to crafts. Growing up, I spent a lot of time sewing, crafting and going to garage sales with my grandmother. That love of art and vintage she instilled in me inspired to create Fairview Place, which is named after the street she lived on.

How did you get into this business?

AG: I started selling purses at age 11. Granted, my only customer was my mom, but as time went on I began getting legitimate buyers and was able to broaden my craft horizons. I started selling at Kitsch in 2012 when they opened and have participated in craft shows and other outlets around Hampton Roads.

What products/services do you specialize in?

AG: I create earrings from antique buttons, greeting cards from classic books, magazines and encyclopedias and sell a wide variety of raw craft supplies – most of which are decades old. I also have a line of children’s felt food, which is extremely silly, but something no kid should be without.

Do you have a store? Can people buy your products online? 

AG: You can buy my greeting cards, jewelry and felt food at Kitsch, which is located in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk. Or online at www.fairviewpl.etsy.com.

How can people get ahold of you?

AG: Pick your poison: ashley.fairviewpl@gmail.com, www.fairviewpl.facebook.com, www.fairviewpl.blogspot.com.

How are you participating in Better Block and what are you looking to get out of Better Block?

AG: I am partnering with Glass Gardens in a pop-up business at 765 Granby St. I’m really looking to build some great relationships with local businesses, crafters and like-minded people. The local talent constantly amazes me and I feel it shouldn’t be bottled up in a couple little pockets around town…let it explode, give it its own district and let the participants be proud of what they’ve created.

What would you like to see out of an arts district?

AG: A craft supplies store so I don’t need to run to Virginia Beach or Chesapeake every time I need a piece of stinkin’ felt! <end rant> And of course cafes, a brewery with outdoor seating, art exhibits, retail stores offering classes, studio space, a venue, bike racks, a rooftop bar, a farmer’s market, bookstore…I could go on forever…

Fairview Place will share a pop-up space this Friday and Saturday during Better Block.  They'll post up at 765 Granby St., located near the intersection of Granby St. and W. Olney Rd.  For more information on Better Block, click here.