Genny Shaw is the owner of Hazelnut & Rose (named for her daughters Hazel and Rosalie), a maternity and nursing boutique opening Saturday, September 13 in downtown Dartmouth.
What made you want to start your own business?
I guess I have a little entrepreneurial spirit in me and I just looking for the right thing. I was out for coffee with a friend, we’re both new moms, and we were talking about the lack of a certain kind of maternity and nursing clothing—you can’t get it here. I got really excited not only to provide for women whose bodies are changing, but to be able to help them feel good and look good, which is important during that time. There are lots of shops that cater to new moms, but more on the children’s side, I’m excited to offer something to moms.
What’s in store for shoppers?
Brands from all over the world, and Canadian designers like Penny Posh from Newfoundland. Really good maternity clothing, with fun and younger styles. There’s so much out there, I didn’t realize until my second pregnancy that there’s a lot of nursing clothing that’s fashionable. We’ll have pajamas, outerwear, yoga pants, premium denim...it’s a long list but we’ll be focused on clothing, with some bags and accessories, and starting to think about early pregnancy info session, and over time, pregnancy parties.
Why is a place like Hazelnut & Rose important for Haligonians to have?
I think pregnancy should be celebrated and supported. It’s a place that not only pregnant people can come to get away or feel beautiful, or to pick out something to make them feel more themselves. But I also hope to build a community and provide unique classes that get moms out and about, feeling engaged and empowered to be a new mom.
Hazelnut & Rose, 46 Queen Street, Dartmouth, 902-466-0444
