NORTH ADAMS, Mass. — A newly opened boutique general store on Holden Street offers local and regional products along with a curated selection of gifts, wines and artwork. 

 

"It's just a lot of my favorite makers and small brands that I've, in my mind, collected over the years because I've wanted to do this for I don't even know since forever," owner Hannah Blazejewski said. "I'm trying to keep as much of the product at least local to New England as I can." 

 

The name for the Diving Horse at 26 Holden St. was inspired by one of her favorite movies, "Wild Hearts Can't Be Broken," the story of a girl who joins a diving horse stunt show during the Depression.  

 

Blazejewski found the current space earlier this year before moving back to the county in March. It was formerly North Adams Yoga, so when she moved in she repainted the place and also worked with Outlook Builders to build the shelving and her dream "mousehole" wall.

 

The store showcases local goods from throughout New England, and she described it as a general store and gift boutique built around a personal collection of favorite makers, small brands, and hard-to-find products.

 

Her shop also includes children's items, artwork, stickers, home decor, cheeses, non-perishable items, wines and a selection of Scandinavian candy.

 

She said she hopes to contribute to the local economy, connect with other businesses and artists, and respect the city's history and culture.

 

"Definitely just inspired by that undercurrent of creatives moving here and just you know growth and excitement, so I just want to add my little contribution in any way I can, and I'm just excited to just be a part of it all," Blazejewski said. "I really think it's an amazing place. I mean, this is just dear to my heart. I think there's still nothing more beautiful than Mount Greylock and the valley. But then also the cultural side of things here is really world class. 

 

"There's so much to do outdoors, and then I just feel like the whole town is built on my hard-working, downtown people, and that's sort of exactly where I want to be."

 

Originally from Adams, she grew up around her father's business, Berkshire Outfitters, but has been living elsewhere including Utah, Lake Tahoe, and most recently Vermont. She has spent much of her career in the ski industry, including about 10 years as a sales representative for Salomon and Swix, working with retail dealers. She also worked as a creative director and prop stylist on campaigns for various brands, including apparel, beauty, and Vermont Teddy Bear Co. 

 

"I got to be on the wholesale side of things and be working with dealers who own shops," she said. "So it was so fun helping them buy, but always, always in the back of my mind, I want to be on that side, too."

 

She said for anyone who wants to open their own dream business go for it.

 

"I guess with anything, anything, if you want to do it, just do it. I just am a firm believer that you only regret what you don't do. It's always worth a try," she said. "The worst that can happen is you fail, and you always learn something from it and grow. I think it's just like taking that dive, and doing it scared."

 

Her shop is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday and Thursday and until 6 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and Sundays from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. She is currently closed Tuesdays and Wednesdays but will open Wednesdays during the holidays.