Big Water Jewelry & Gifts celebrates first summer season on North Shore
As the bustling summer season winds down along the North Shore, with the MEA weekend on the horizon, numerous small businesses in the region celebrate a prosperous season.
Among these businesses is Big Water Jewelry & Gifts in Lutsen, which opened its doors in April. The business moved into the previous location of Jeweler of the North after it had relocated its business to Park Rapids in March.
“I was very fortunate because of the good reputation that they had built in this area,” Kathryn Hatopp, the owner of Big Water Jewelry & Gifts, said. “I would say at least 80 percent of their customers have become my customers.”
After moving to the North Shore a few years ago from Oshkosh, WI, Hatopp had her eyes set on opening an antiques, art, and jewelry store in Grand Marais. However, when the opportunity to rent a retail space in Lutsen arose, she jumped at the chance. Hatopp said her first summer season as a business owner in Lutsen has been a great experience, and she couldn’t be happier. “I adore Lutsen and the community. The people and my landlords have been wonderful.”
Big Water Jewelry & Gifts offers a large selection of jewelry and features other unique finds such as antiques, glassware, and art. “Really anything that’s beautiful handmade quality,” Hatopp said. “That’s my passion.”
Looking towards the slower winter months, Hatopp plans to close Big Water Jewelry & Gifts for November to take some time off. Then, she plans to open during the weekends of Dec. and will play it by ear throughout the remaining winter months. “I think that I’ll try being open on the weekends to see if the ski hill brings the business down to downtown Lutsen.”
Hatopp said she is always available by phone at 218-370-9414 if the store is closed and interested customers are in the Lutsen area. “I do live in Lutsen, so it’s usually very convenient for me to come down,” she said. “And I love every excuse to get out of doing housework.”
WTIP’s Kalli Hawkins spoke with Kathryn Hatopp, the owner of Big Water Jewelry & Gifts, about her new business as she wraps up her first summer season. Audio from the interview is below.
If you know of North Shore business owners who should be featured, give us a call at 218-387-1070 or email kalli@wtip.org. WTIP would love to tell their story!
Kalli Hawkins October 14, 2023
