Holly Makes Her Mark On The Avenue

Holly Smith wasn't feeling the love.

Working in the insurance industry for more than 20 years, Smith, who grew up in Barrington, knew it was time for a change. When the former Nuts N Such store on Maple Avenue closed, she saw a storefront that soon had her name on it -- Hollies on the Avenue.

Smith worked in Boston after college. But the sixth of seven children moved back to Barrington to be closer to her family in the 1990s. She continued working in insurance but kept a dream firmly planted in her mind of what she would much rather be doing.

After four years of musing, considering, dreaming and wondering, Smith said she knew the time was right for her in September, 2004.

"The stars started to align," said Smith, who credits her family for providing the support she needed, and giving her the nudge to be successful at her dream.

Smith opened her new store, Hollies on the Avenue, a venue for Barrington residents and visitors alike to discover gifts, home accents, and "surprises."

When she first opened, Smith said, she headed to the trade shows with one of her sisters, and chose pieces she felt she would like.

"I had no idea how much to buy, what to buy, or what would sell, so I just went with stuff that I liked," she said.

That instinct has proven to be a good one for Smith. Entering her cozy store is like discovering a treasure trove of beautiful and affordable items that aren't bland or boring. 

Smith's eye for colour, beauty, and elegance also plays out in the volunteer work she does within the town.

As a member of the Hamerho Garden Club, which was started by some local women in the 1960s, her mother among them, Smith heads up the Civic Beautification Committee, which is responsible for maintaining several gardens in town.

Take a quick glance at the Clara Marshall garden behind Town Hall and you can see that Smith's talents extend far beyond home decor and gifts.

In addition, Smith serves on the Parks and Recreation Commision, which helped to create the wonderful Kids Kove playground behind Town Hall, and will be a part of the Police Cove development project.

As if that isn't enough for her, this energetic woman is also working with her friend, Lois Coppolino, owner of Daisy Dig'ins florist, to spearhead the Barrington Business Association, which will be bringing the much-loved "sidewalk sales" back to Barrington in the fall. 

"We want people in town to know that these businesses and stores and products are available to them," said Smith.

Smith said opening her own business in town was "a leap of faith," but since she took that leap seven years ago, she's never been happier.

"I thought 'I'm either working in an office, or working in my own business,'" said Smith. "This is my job. And I love it!"