Gold Standard

It’s a Labor of Love for Owner of Artistry in Gold & Ladies Apparel

Writer / Matt Keating

Photography Provided

Christine Allen-Hackworth, owner of Artistry in Gold & Ladies Apparel in North Webster, says she’s never minded going to work because she loves what she does.

“I’m very fortunate because I’m able to enjoy what I do,” Allen-Hackworth says. “I come in to my shop and I’m ready to help people. I love my customers and it’s fun to make their day better. I get a big kick out of what I do. It’s a great feeling to be able to feel like you can put a smile on someone else’s face too. People are happy when they come in here. They can see that I enjoy what I’m doing.”

She has adopted that work philosophy for a long time.

“Before I started this business I worked at Chapman Jewelers in Warsaw, Indiana, and Duckweed’s Ladies Apparel in North Webster,” she says. “I was able to learn a lot about how to work with customers and what they are specifically looking for. I also was able to learn a lot about jewelry. I enjoyed getting to know what tastes my customers have, and what kind of jewelry and clothes they like.”

Allen-Hackworth took everything she learned through the years and decided to strike out on her own. In 1997 she opened Artistry in Gold & Ladies Apparel.

“I’m looking forward to having some kind of anniversary celebration to share with my customers,” she says. “I think it will be a lot of fun. I’ve had a lot of great times here and I know my customers have too. Our main business is a jewelry store, but we also offer a lot of other great women’s apparel and other items.”

Allen-Hackworth says her business is a full-service jewelry store.

“We have diamonds, and precious and semiprecious gems,” she says. “We also have a selection of gold and silver jewelry that a lot of our customers really like. We can help people with custom design, and we also offer watch repair and jewelry repair. Our custom design is excellent.”

The staff also changes watch batteries and offers estimates.

Allen-Hackworth believes she has had a lot of repeat business because customers have been extremely satisfied.

“I have a lot of come-back customers, and that’s what you want when you are running a business,” she says. “I love seeing the smiles on my customers’ faces. I have really been able to get to know quite a few of them over the years, and I know just what they like and what they are looking for when they come in. I also like seeing a lot of new faces that come through my door, and getting to know them and what they like.”

Allen-Hackworth was happy with the jewelry side of the business so she decided to offer a boutique with upscale ladies apparel.

“A lot of the items we have are unique and special,” she says. “We offer a lot of pieces that are hard to find in other stores and places. I’ve received a lot of compliments on what we have to offer.”

She adds that the store has beautiful outfits, hand-knit sweaters, casual wear, leggings, jackets, hats, caps, T-shirts and other items.

Allen-Hackworth says she loves having a business in North Webster.

“This is such a great little community,” she says. “It’s great being near the water, and I like seeing all of our regulars as well as meeting new people who are here from out of town. I also love the Main Street area, and I think our Mermaid Festival is absolutely wonderful for our business and all of the other great businesses and restaurants in the area. It’s been a fun and unique way to showcase our community.”

Artistry in Gold & Ladies Apparel is located at 225 North Main Street in North Webster. For more info, call 574-834-1511, email artistryingold890@gmail.com, or visit artistryingoldandladiesapparel.com.