Ella The Shop Closing After Two Years In Uptown Saint John
SAINT JOHN– After two years operating in uptown Saint John, Ella The Shop announced Tuesday that it was closing its doors in the New Year.
“It’s been a tremendous experience and we will be forever grateful to the mentorship and support we’ve received from the Saint John community,” the store announced on its Facebook page.
Ella The Shop is owned by Kelly Lawson, a Saint John photographer and entrepreneur. The store specializes in women’s fashion and accessories, often carrying Canadian designers. The store was originally started to be an addition to the Ella app, a mobile app that allows women to sell premium pre-owned clothes to each other. The app will also be discontinued.
The Facebook post didn’t cite a specific reason for the closure. But it did say that the store would be open through December and January while inventory is available and that the shop will still be participating shopping events like Black Friday and Uptown Sparkles.
“We look forward to seeing everyone over the coming weeks to properly say thank you and goodbye. We’ve loved every minute of serving and dressing you,” the posts reads.
RELATED: New Brunswick’s Ella Opening Retail Store in Saint John
“Although it’s time for us to move on to our next adventure, we hope you will continue to love and support our many and wonderful uptown businesses.”
In an e-mail to Huddle, Lawson said she’s ready for new challenges.
“Entrepreneurship is both challenging and rewarding, and I live for both!” she said. “With each venture, I learn more and grow more and will take these invaluable learnings with me. It’s time now to try new things.”
Lawson said she will now turn her full attention toward her photography business, with the addition of an educational component for photographers, small business owners and creative entrepreneurs.
She said though Ella is closing, her team is thankful for the support they received from the community, particularly from women.
“It’s been a tremendous experience and we will be forever grateful to the mentorship and support we’ve received from the tech/startup community and the Saint John community,” said Lawson.
RELATED: Why Entrepreneur Kelly Lawson Isn’t Afraid to Use the F-word
“The women in our city are a force, and our city is beautifully vibrant. We are infinitely proud to have been a part of both!”