A Pocketful of Posies began over 30 years ago when proprietor Dottie Smith took a wreath making class with her best friend and discovered that she had a new talent and  passion. She began selling wreaths in local craft fairs and, over the years, saved up enough to buy a space in a local artists' coop, Durham Artworks.

1989

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When Durham Artworks disbanded, she decided to rent the space that it occupied and create the shop that she dreamed of owning- featuring  not only her floral creations, but gifts and personal items for her customers to enjoy. The shop was named "Favorite Things", because, well, you know!

1989-1999

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A larger space opened on a busy corner in Durham center, so Favorite Things moved down the street- which allowed it to offer more merchandise and more categories, such as personal care, baby gifts, jewelry, and specialty foods.

1998-2004

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After 9 years of building a following through special events, unique products, and the base of the business- handmade floral creations- she opened a second store on beautiful Block Island.

1998-2004 (ish)

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After simultaneously operating the store in Durham and the store on Block Island for a couple of years, the 'Favorite Things' business in Durham was sold and the Block Island store became...you guessed it-  A Pocketful of Posies!-a  name that was a nod to both the floral origins of the business and her Bichon Frise, Posy.

2004-2016 (ish)

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A Pocketful of Posies  moved back to the mainland, into a restored historic house in beautiful Essex Village.

fall 2015- present

And, finally, the current incarnation of A Pocketful of Posies was born in Main St Market, in vibrant downtown Middletown!