Occoquan Shop Attracts Military Community

Dawn Gunn first thought of opening up her shop in Old Alexandria, but the site proved too busy for her. One day, she met with a friend at Madigan’s Waterfront, and saw a location possibility from outside of her window, at the RiverWalk Shops. She wanted a place with more tranquility, possibly by a river, and this location seemed to be the perfect fit. She prayed about it and feeling at peace with a decision, decided to open up shop.

Dawn’s Whimsy opened on March 15 right above Salt & Pepper Books. Dawn sells a variety of goods geared toward the military community, but which anyone can use and enjoy. Jewelry from many different countries line the walls, hats are spread throughout the store,  and oils are prominently featured.  She focuses on practical items such as wallets, passport holders, sheets and clothing, but her shop holds more than that.

“I am always listening to peoples’ wants,” said Dawn, who started as an entrepreneur 19 years ago.

Since the military community is well-traveled, she features items from all over the world. Many people are stationed in the Middle East, and they are introduced to products such as oils and incense. Dawn makes sure she has these quality products accessible for them when they return to the United States.

Dawn started selling from kiosks set up on military bases, which continues to be a lucrative business for her to this day. African masks and jewelry, as well as oils, were the first items she started selling, but she has expanded her selection over time.

She eventually decided she would like a more stationary location for her business. The family had thoughts of moving to Florida, but after her husband was appointed as General Counsel of Veteran Affairs, she started looking for storefronts in the Northern Virginia area, picking Occoquan because she wanted to attract the military community to the restful town.

“Not many of the people I talked to even knew about Occoquan, but they knew about Potomac Mills. I told them to get to Occoquan, go to Potomac Mills, and then turn around,” Dawn said. She hopes to attract more business to the variety of shops and restaurants in Occoquan.

And to her shop, through word-of-mouth marketing and distributing cards on the base. She also has a large clientele after her many years of experience, and sells frequently to people across the United States.

“We’re a family, the military,” Dawn says.