“I’ve always dreamed of owning a stinky old bookstore,” says Kate Rhea Hesson, who is is achieving her dream with the opening of The Sleepy Hollow Books & Gifts this weekend. In the 442 Olive Street store there are certainly books aplenty, however instead of it being “stinky,” the air is pleasantly perfumed by products from Hesson’s original venture, Zombee Candle.
Since 2009, Hesson has worked tirelessly building up her Zombee Candle brand while working full-time and picking up additional jobs to support herself as a single mother. Throughout relationship and personal struggles, Kate has perservered by opening the business she has always wanted with help from her “Highland family.” Derick Jones & Evan Stevens next door at Vessel Vintage and friends like Conchita Inglesias McElwee have all helped pave the way for this new local book and gift store.
The Sleepy Hollow will debut with the locally embraced Zombee Candle brand, which has custom blended scents and are 100% soy. They feature names like “Bitches Brew,” “Apocalyptus” (a personal favorite), and “Zydecocoa.” For the past five years, Zombee Candle has become a staple at local craft and maker fairs, and at The Agora Borealis. The offshoot Coven Co. expands the selection to body butter, lip balm, and body spray. Kate is able to create or recreate custom oil blends for customers, so look her up if you would like to craft that one lip balm that you can’t find anywhere in town.
Plans for The Sleepy Hollow include refillable ceramic candle jars so that frequent customers can reuse their container, and cut down on cost. Other gifts include goods created by local makers, such as gemstone bracelets made by a talented 11 year old. With unique items being priced as low as a few dollars, it’ll be hard to leave the shop empty handed.
A self-professed bibliophile, Kate is eager to have a space to curate used and rare books. The store will feature antique sofas and comfortable chairs, allowing customers dropping in to curl up peacefully with a new (to them) book. The Sleepy Hollow will host mini-lecture series and will have its own book club led by Kate.
After the opening on September 5th, The Sleepy Hollow is planning a “Zombee Ball” during Halloween, “Make & Take” classes with local artists, and to be the host of future community events. “Sometimes people working from home need a place to have meetings with clients,” explains Kate, “The Sleepy Hollow offers a cozy neighborhood space without the expectation of buying a cup of coffee.” Being next door to Vessel Vintage, Lotus Studio, and Healthy Chef Meals, this block of Olive Street is improving the diverse Highland neighborhood.
The Sleepy Hollow Grand Opening
442 Olive Street
Saturday, September 5th, 2015
10:00am – 6:00pm
The first 50 customers receive a free Zombee Candle!