Farewell Firefly
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A crowd of shoppers and friends lined up to make their last purchases at Firefly Craft Gallery in Flat Rock this week. A mainstay of the Flat Rock shopping scene for the past seven years, Firefly closed at the end of 2022 and its owner, Karen Kennedy, was selling off the shop’s remaining inventory and store fixtures in a final sidewalk sale.
One by one, customers stepped up to a makeshift counter to pay for their selections. Many in line, however, mostly wanted to say thanks to the woman who created a thriving business and an impressive network of artist partners and loyal customers - many of whom now consider Karen Kennedy more friend than business owner.
The scene was busy, bustling and bittersweet. A combination of commerce mixed with a celebration of the friendships created inside the gallery’s walls during the past seven years. There were smiles, hugs - and a few tears - as the community gathered one last time to say farewell to the Firefly.
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Karen Kennedy in her gallery
Like many residents in Flat Rock, Mike and Karen Kennedy first discovered the village as a great place to vacation. It wasn’t long, however, before they realized that living in Flat Rock would be even better. When Karen and Mike Kennedy moved to Flat Rock from Florida in 2012, Karen turned her attention to a life-long love of antiques and a dream of one day owning her own business.
Karen had grown up in an “antique” family. Her grandparents and parents had always owned their own shops, booths, or shown their antiques on weekends. As a child, Karen loved going with them and learning the business. With the move to Flat Rock, Karen decided it was time to finally pursue her love of art, antiques, fine craft and folk art.
Fate soon stepped in and opened a door to Karen’s dream. While driving through “downtown” Flat Rock one day, Mike and Karen noticed that there was a commercial space available for rent next to the Flat Rock Post Office. They immediately made an appointment to see the space and the rest is, as they say, history.
It felt like home from the start. “I located the gallery in Flat Rock because I just feel more comfortable here.” says Karen. “I like knowing who's coming through my door. And I liked the personal aspect of it, of meeting new people and artists and finding out what people like.”
Anyone who walked in Firefly’s door soon realized that the secret to Karen’s success was the personal relationships she cultivated with her patrons. “I really like getting to know my customers and knowing more about what they like and want. They ask me about my grandkids and tell me about what’s going on in their lives. It's like having visitors come in the house.”
Karen’s business model was also predicated on her ability to develop relationships with local artists who provide the majority of crafts and arts in the shop. “I loved getting to know the artists and I loved finding the talent - especially finding someone who just didn’t know if their creations were something that could sell or not.”
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For seven years, Firefly Craft Gallery prospered and attracted an ever growing following of artists and patrons drawn to Karen’s warmth and keen eye for the arts and crafts that would appeal to her regular customers. The business even weathered the challenges of the pandemic and came out on the other side stronger than ever. “The past two years were her best ever,” explains Mike Kennedy. “She really had it rolling.”
Unfortunately, the future of Firefly was clouded by the discovery of a benign tumor in Karen’s brain in early 2022. Although it was not malignant, it was growing rapidly and the decision was made to remove it surgically in the Fall of 2022. The tumor was removed but almost immediately Karen began to experience unanticipated consequences of the surgery - issues that made it impossible for her to return to the place she built and loved. “The realization that I had to close the Gallery was the hardest thing I’ve ever done.”
“The surgery did not go as planned,” Karen explains. “It has changed my whole outlook on life. My heart is absolutely broken that I have to give up Firefly.” Then, with her characteristic ability to add a smile to any situation, adds, “On the positive side, I will have more time to spend with my husband, family, grandchildren, and now I can travel.
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(FROM LEFT TO RIGHT: KAREN KENNEDY, FIREFLY CRAFT GALLERY; SUZANNE CAMARATA, THE GALLERY AT FLAT ROCK, KELLI SPECTOR, DOGWOOD, AND VIRGINIA SPIGENER, THE WRINKLED EGG.
Among the many people wishing Karen well are her fellow merchants in Flat Rock. During her time at Firefly, Karen helped nurture a cooperative relationship with other Flat Rock merchants. She regularly sent and received customers from The Gallery at Flat Rock, The Wrinkled Egg, and Dogwood Gallery - all of whom are located in Flat Rock’s Village Center. As she explains, “If I didn’t have what the customer needed, I sent them across the street to the other shops. We all wanted to help keep businesses alive here in Flat Rock.”
Suzanne Camarata, owner of The Gallery at Flat Rock, feels a special bond with Karen since they both opened their Flat Rock businesses the same year. “We were the bright-eyed freshmen of 2015,” says Suzanne with a laugh. The two merchants often compared notes and shared tears and laughter when they discussed the struggles and joys of owning a small business. Suzanne also developed a deep appreciation for Karen’s expertise. “She brought in such unique and treasured fine folk art and knew the story of every piece she sold. Firefly Craft Gallery will live on in our hearts as a reminder to see the magic inherent in all things.”
Customer Narissa Fenner with Karen
Artist Joyce Henneberry’s beautiful fabric creations were a mainstay at Firefly for most of the store’s existence. Many local artists, including Joyce, found a welcoming home at the gallery. “Karen’s ability to know her customers is unsurpassed,” says Joyce “Each Firefly customer that I had the pleasure to work with directly had nothing but respect and admiration for Karen.” Most of all, Joyce is grateful for all that Karen brought to her business. “It is very sad for me to see Firefly close, as both an artist and a customer, but I remain extremely grateful to Karen to have been able to be a part of it.”
Firefly customer, Narissa Fenner spoke about Karen’s ability to anticipate her customers preferences. “Her ability to choose artists and display such unique and beautiful items is unlike any other place around. That is a fact.” Bob Bonner, one of Firefly’s contributing artists concurs. “Karen’s personality along with the quality of the items for sale made Firefly a success. It was a super nice place to have my stuff and it’s going to be missed.”
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Looking back, Karen is understandably sad that the time to close Firefly has arrived. She remains, however, very grateful for the experience. “My favorite memories are meeting the customers and making friends. I have met the nicest people that I wouldn’t have met otherwise.” She has especially kind words for Flat Rock. “Operating a business in Flat Rock is like working with family. We all know one another and truly care for one another. Living in Flat Rock is that way too. Mike and I love it here!”
When I reached out to Karen this week to ask how she was doing, she replied with a message for her many newfound Firefly friends:
“I haven’t worked since the surgery and I have learned during this time how many friends I truly have. I have had friends work for me, cook for me, send me cards, flowers, gifts, check on me, email me, text me, and pray for me. I appreciate every single one of you. I can’t thank you enough. P.S. Mike is a saint.”
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Mike and Karen
As another chapter closes in the Flat Rock business district, residents are left with the memory of a special place that made the day a little brighter for its thousands of customers. To borrow from the Firefly website, the gallery provided us with the little things that make living beautiful. It was fun. Whimsical. And just plain cute.
In any community, there are places and people of special charm and grace that help give that community a unique and inviting identity. Firefly Craft Gallery was one of those places and Karen Kennedy one of those people. Looking back, it’s clear that Karen Kennedy’s unique Firefly Craft Gallery was never just about dollars and cents. It was a place to make friends and build community. Thanks for everything, Karen. You made our world that much brighter.
