by Helen Martin
Since she opened the doors of Eleventh Hour Gifts in mid-June, Kim Ardin has been really pleased with the interest the community has shown in her boutique store, and with the positive feedback she’s received about her stock.
Kim’s a local, moving to Helensville when she was nine and attending Helensville Primary and Kaipara College. She now has children at Helensville Primary. For many years her working life was mainly as receptionist then administrator at G. J. Gardner Homes, where she honed her interest in interior design to the point that they now employ her on contract as a colour consultant.
Eleventh Hour came about when Kim, who had been looking to go out on her own for some time, grabbed the opportunity to lease a vacant shop at the north end of Helensville and set it up as a boutique (i.e. small and stylish) gift and clothing store. Despite its size, Eleventh Hour Gifts fills a gap in the local market, offering a wide range of quality products, including women’s clothing, homeware, natural home fragrances and body products, eco home products, gourmet, New Zealand-made condiments and coffee and much more.
Kim is enjoying working in Helensville after travelling out of town to work for the past 20 years and loves meeting and talking with the locals, new and old. She also loves being available for her children after school, another benefit of working locally.
Because she is keen to give back something to her community, in July Kim began by donating 5% of her sales to the Helensville Women and Family Centre. In October her shop will host an artist during Arts in the Ville, and Kim plans ongoing community involvement.
Eleventh Hour Gifts has a Facebook page and there is a website in development. Opening hours: Tuesday 11am - 4pm; Wednesday, Thursday, Friday 10am – 5pm; Saturday. 11am - 3pm.
