No dull moments for the owner of the Window Box in Robbinsville.
By: Mark Moffa
WASHINGTON She says "it’s a labor of love," and that "there’s never a dull moment."
Most people wish they could describe their work the way Karen Hardiman does.
Ms. Hardiman owns and operates the Window Box on Main Street in Robbinsville. She specializes in antiques and floral arrangements.
"I lot of people don’t realize exactly what I’m all about," Ms. Hardiman said.
The Window Box has been at 13 Main St. for three-and-a-half years, but just a few weeks ago she moved to the yellow building next door. She is now directly in front of Robbins-ville Hardware.
Ms. Hardiman said business is booming. Her passion for antiques and "permanent botanical," or silk, flower arrangements is obvious. Her story is simple.
"I just always loved to draw," she said. Ms. Hardiman described her father as a "natural artist."
"I would love to watch him just doodle," she said.
A graduate of Centenary College in Hackettstown, Ms. Hardiman majored in graphic arts. She held various jobs in that field before marrying in 1982 and obtaining another degree, this one in art education from Trenton State College, now The College of New Jersey.
The Hamilton native taught art for schools in the area for six years, including a stint at the Sharon School.
"Then, to supplement my income I started doing some art and floral designs for a local florist," she said. "I ended up opening a store for them in MarketFair."
She still, however, had not accomplished her dream.
"I’ve always wanted to have my own business," said Ms. Hardiman, who now lives in Mansfield.
She said her grandfather would always take her to flea markets, and that she always loved collecting interesting things. So now, she has a shop full of them.
Ms. Hardiman said she enjoys learning about the history of different pieces that come through her store. Currently, she is researching a cane she has that belonged to Apache Indian tribe member Naiche, who she said was one of the last of his tribe to be captured in the late 1800s. She obtained the cane from a person whose grandfather used to barter with the Indians.
"I love to be able to offer people as much information as I can," she said.
Her store contains a wide variety of merchandise. From a $2,800 mahogany American linen press to $3 political memorabilia, she says there is something for everyone in the Window Box.
The move to a different building allowed Ms. Hardiman to double the size of her store, she said. Several large pieces of antique furniture are on display, including a late 1800s English tiered buffet, which is 99 percent original including the original beveled glass mirrors and contains all of its original gesso. This, Ms. Hardiman said, is rare.
"Each piece is so unique in its own regard," she said.
But many smaller items are available as well, including tissue purses from the late 1800s and a "Hoover for President" pencil that has an eraser shaped like President Hoover’s head.
Pottery, stained glass, chandeliers, ribbon and candles are among the items that round out her current selection.
Then there is the floral portion of her business.
"A large part of my business is the floral business," she said. Ms. Hardiman takes many orders for customized floral arrangements and delights in doing them. Several of her arrangements decorate the store.
She said she loves her location in Washington and that most of her business is from the local area. She would, however, like to begin attracting customers from areas such as Princeton and Hopewell.
The majority of her customers, she said, come back often.
"You get to really know the customers," she said, explaining that this is another aspect of the business she enjoys.
Ms. Hardiman also noted that her family pitches in to help with the shop. Her husband, Kevin, works as a guidance counselor at Steinert High School in Hamilton. Her son, Kevin, is 12 years old.
"If it weren’t for my husband and son, this wouldn’t exist," Ms. Hardiman said.
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