Ellie Murphy
Erin Gift Store
1098B Pleasant Street, Worcester, MA 01605
www.eringiftstoreusa.com
(508) 735-9540
Instagram: @eringiftstoreusa
Facebook: @Erin Gift & Woollen Market
Price Point: $$$ out of 6
New storefront scheduled to open mid-July
Tell us about your business
My shop is primarily an Irish Import store, focusing on brands that represent the core values of Irish manufacturing – woven tweeds, woollen products, jewelry, hand made art and giftwares. I opened the store 3 years ago and am in the process of moving to a bigger brick and mortar store on Pleasant Street, Tatnuck Square, Worcester – my prices are competitive within the industry.
What is your background
I moved here from Ireland in 1990. I grew up in Ireland in the retail world – my Mum and Dad started the Erin Gift Store in Blarney to compliment and support our handknitting business Erin Knitwear Ltd. We all witnessed the pressures, good and bad of entrepreneurial thinking and my siblings have gone on to nurture and grow the businesses started by our parents as well as grow their own independent enterprises. Here in the States my work history includes 20+ years at the Telegram & Gazette as well as time spent in other working environments – the culmination of those years of experience is my own business.
Why did you want to start your own business
I always wanted my own business but in my world I had responsibilities that took precedence over what I wanted. I believe when the time is right things happen as they should – or as they say at home “what is for ya won’t pass ya!” So when the time was right I was ready and for me that made all the difference.
What can people expect when they visit your store
When you visit my store you can expect to feel like you walked into an Irish store in Ireland. In addition to being charmed by all my very carefully curated products I hope you will feel welcome and valued. I also hope you will have a little time on your hands for the chats – I like to hear the stories people bring to me which have been preserved by their families over the years – sometimes centuries.
Can you share advice for future entrepreneurs
My advice? Blind faith in yourself, your dream and your ability to bring it to life. Do not let anyone derail what you know is right for you.
Where do you see yourself in five years
I would like to see my store as a thriving part of a lovely community – if you are doing what you love it isn’t work.
The Fountain
138 High St, Clinton, MA 01510
www.thefountainconfections.com
(978) 878-1615
Instagram: @thefountain01510
Facebook: @The Fountain Confections
Price point: $
Tell us about your business
I own The Fountain in Clinton, a unique three-part business that includes a soda shop, candy store, and mobile event service. We are proud to be the first dirty soda shop in New England, serving specialty dirty sodas, ice cream, baked goods, and a wide variety of nostalgic and trending candies.
We recently celebrated our two-year anniversary and have been grateful for the support of our community. We work hard to keep our products affordable for our customers, even as the cost of ingredients continues to rise. Some items, particularly specialty candies and chocolate, can be expensive due to production and import costs, but we always strive to offer fair pricing while maintaining quality.
What is your background
I earned my undergraduate degree in Public Relations from the University of Rhode Island and a Master of Legal Studies from Northeastern University School of Law. Prior to opening The Fountain, I owned and operated an interior painting company that specialized in cabinet refinishing.
While I had experience as a business owner, I had very little background in the food industry beyond spending summers scooping ice cream and bartending. Opening The Fountain was a completely different challenge, but one I was excited and determined to take on.
Why did you want to start your own business
For as long as I can remember, I wanted to create a modern take on an old-fashioned soda shop in my hometown—a place where people could gather, connect, and make memories.
Growing up around small business owners, (my dad, grandfather, and grandmother) I understood the dedication and hard work required to build something from the ground up. After talking about this dream for years, I finally decided to take the leap and turn the vision into a reality. It has been one of the most challenging and rewarding experiences of my life. And one I’m still learning how to do every single day.
What can people expect when they visit your store
We want every visit to The Fountain to create memories and spark a sense of nostalgia. Whether you’re exploring our retro candy selection, trying a trendy dirty soda, enjoying ice cream with family, induging in fresh baked goods, or picking up your candy kabob order for your celebration (another Fountain staple!), there is truly something for everyone.
Our goal is simple: to make your day a little sweeter and give our community a fun, welcoming place to gather.
Can you share advice for future entrepreneurs
Believe in yourself and believe in your idea. There will always be people who question your vision or tell you it won’t work. The key is having enough confidence in yourself to keep moving forward despite the doubt.
Building a business isn’t easy, and there will be difficult days. But if you’re passionate about what you’re creating and willing to put in the work, you can turn your dreams into reality.
Where do you see yourself in five years
In five years, I hope to bring The Fountain to other communities throughout Massachusetts and beyond. Our mission has always been to create sweet experiences and lasting memories, and I would love the opportunity to share that with even more people. Expanding The Fountain while maintaining the sense of community that makes it special is something I am very excited about for the future.
