I often start off these articles discussing myself, my goals, and how the business focus relates to me as a 20-something.  Well this month, (in hopes of seeming less vain) I only want to let the readership know that I am grateful to have an opportunity to write the Business Profile for the Old Town Crier.  Of course, this hobby does not come without benefits!  Reaching out to all of you allows me to meet people who I may have never crossed paths with, and most importantly I am able to visit and learn about businesses that I may have overlooked.  For this I am thankful.  

The focus for this month is Elder Crafters of Alexandria, Inc., which is a business I would have regretted overlooking; my hope is that you don’t do the same!  I had the pleasure of meeting with the manager, Janet Dietz at the shop located in the heart of Old Town at 405 Cameron Street, where it has resided since 1998.  From our conversation I learned about the history, operation, and mantra of this business.  I am excited to shed some light on this location and the many services that they offer.  

Elder Crafters of Alexandria, Inc. was founded by Florence Price almost 30 years ago.  She was inspired to create Elder Crafters on a trip to New York City where she strolled into a store on East 65th Street called The Elder Craftsman.  After her return from NYC, she expressed her idea to the Mayor, Charles Beatley, who encouraged her to survey the interest of the community.  With his help she was able to gain the support of Old Town, and the rest is history.  The shop now exists on the income from the sale of the products as well as membership gifts.  Elder Crafters is unlike other consignment shops you may know of; it provides a not-for-profit venue to market beautifully handcrafted products.  

All crafts are made by men and women who are 55 years of age or older; in other words this is not your typical retail store.  Participating crafters are not only able to supplement their incomes through this program, but they are able to perfect old and new skills.  Most of their crafters are local, but Janet works with artists located all over the country.  In addition to creating individual products, the crafters are willing to do repair work, something you don’t see very often.    

The shop is operated by volunteers, some who have been there over 27 years!  Many of the crafters assist in running the shop as well.   When I asked Janet and Peggy Pence, a long time volunteer, what their favorite part of Elder Crafters was they both explained that it was the friendships that had been formed throughout the years.  The volunteers are given a venue to socialize and share common interests while the crafters are able to enrich their retirement years through sharing many enjoyable hours with their peers.  

Janet and the dedicated volunteers not only sustain an environment that cultivates creativity; they run a thriving business in light of the struggling economy.  The work of these elder crafters and volunteers gives them the ability to continue and create family traditions.  Not many businesses operate with the same source of motivation these days.

When asked what Janet thought was different for senior citizens in recent years, she explained, “[they] are not what they were in my parent’s time; the crafters are active individuals who enjoy providing this service, and through Elder Crafters have the opportunity to share their unique talents.”  Indeed there is a lot of talent in that historic space, and the crafters are as diverse as the products on display!  Upon entering the shop I was taken aback by the handmade articles; they have quilts, pottery, jewelry (which was hard to resist buying), children’s clothing, art work, baskets, doll houses, sweaters, scarves, wooden boxes, glass and wooden serving trays, note cards, needlework, and even Christmas ornaments.  (Try saying that in one breath!)  

I sincerely urge you to take some time to visit Elder Crafters.  It is a creative and worthy destination for those of us who live in the area!

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