NewsFrom the lakes to the mountains, from Lebanon to Littleton, Grafton County is a diverse and thriving community. In this new segment, the team at GRDC spends some time with our region’s small businesses; what made them go into business? How are they supporting their neighbors, and in turn, how is the community supporting them? What advice do they have for startups?
Join us every month as we talk to a different small business in Grafton County.
Interiors Green 
Littleton, NH
Jessica Goldblatt, Owner
GRDC: Hi Jessica, Thanks for taking the time to meet with us! We know you must be very busy with the holidays just around the corner. Tell us a little bit about Interiors Green.
Jessica: I started Interiors Green because when I was renovating my home and so many of the materials and products I wanted to use weren’t available in this area; toxin-free and natural. So I had to figure this out for myself, I did tons of research and ended up falling in love with a clay plaster wall finish.
GRDC: Interesting, was your home renovation your first foray into these types of products, or had you always been interested in more natural materials?
Jessica: I’ve always been interested in living an organic lifestyle, as far back as I can remember, my parents even grew much of their own food. As an adult I like to buy locally grown, organic food, and buy vintage or secondhand clothing.
GRDC: So now you have all of this information, and resources to the goods and materials, so you open the store?
Jessica: With all of this information and a real passion, I thought a natural home store would be a great resource and addition to the community. Not just a place to buy products, but somewhere that promotes green-living and can help people learn more about creating an eco-friendly lifestyle. That was about 12 years ago.
Our products range from natural paints and earth plasters to organic natural fiber bedding and mattress. Plus, gift items, like beautiful cherry serving bowls and carbon steel cookware.
GRDC: I saw that you also have a blog on your website. How did that come about, what other topics do you hope to cover?
Jessica: I decided to start the blog as a way of providing more information about my products, to help turn the one-time purchase into a habit or a pattern which can lead to a greener lifestyle. I’ve run posts on exploring different, everyday items- like a dog’s toy. You might not really put much thought into grabbing a chew toy, but it’s important to know how it’s made and if it’s the safest choice for your pet.
GRDC: Your website, blog and store are a terrific start for someone looking to embrace a greener home. What are some other trusted resources you, as the expert, look to?
Jessica: There’s actually so much information out there now, a quick google search and you’ll find so many websites and posts about green living. It’s all
so informative and, really, just fun. I’d say- check out what’s out there and what most aligns with your goals and timeline. Our Facebook page also has a ton of information, from recipes to tips for greener living, plus a peak at our products.
Every small change count, so take it as you can and what you’re comfortable doing.
GRDC: So things have obviously been different the last six months, how has that affected you?
Jessica: I was ordered to close for two months, which was of course hard. I also think people are being more cautious of being out in public, which means less foot traffic.
GRDC: So how have you been keeping things going?
Jessica: Well, I recently moved into a larger space, which means I can have more people safely in the shop at a time, and of course keeping up with all of the CDC recommendations, disinfecting, masks, etc. I’m doing everything I can to keep my customers and my store safe. I don’t want people to be fearful when they visit.
GRDC: Right, that’s so important to be able to provide a safe, and trusted place for people to shop in, they need to feel comfortable.
Jessica: And it’s really a dream location, right in the heart of Littleton’s thriving downtown.
GRDC: And now with the Holidays upon us, that extra space is probably being put to good use, right?
Jessica: Absolutely! I am fully stocked! I even have some fantastic stocking stuffers for under $20, like reusable veggie bags or felted acorns. We have gifts for everyone, woolen booties for the baby and toys for the pet!
GRDC: That’s great, those booties are so cute! Well, you’re in a new space, you’ve started a blog, so what’s next?
Jessica: I want to focus on building up my website, that will reach more people and hopefully turn Interiors Green into a real destination shop. I’d also love to be able to hire another person!
GRDC: I bet! I think one thing people don’t always realize is how much work it is to run your own shop, you’re your own Chief Finance, Marketing, Operations and Executive Officer. So what would you tell someone thinking of opening up their own store?
Jessica: Just trust the rolling snowball! You never know where it’ll land. You’ll have hard times and setbacks, just make sure you’re learning from them- it’ll better prepare you for whatever comes next.
GRDC: Great advice! Well, thanks so much Jessica- we love your store and can’t wait to visit soon.
Interiors Green is open daily from 10 am to 5 pm. Or shop online: https://www.interiorsgreen.com
If you would like to have your business featured in our Small Business Spotlight, email us at [email protected].
