Karen Kennedy, Owner of Firefly Craft Gallery in Flat Rock.

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. “Mike and I bought a house here in 2009 as a vacation home. We were coming up from Florida loved it so much that we finally decided to move here full-time in 2012.”

After the move, Mike began commuting back to Florida for work. Feeling a little lonely while at home alone, Karen started volunteering at Wickwire - a store formerly in downtown Hendersonville that carried fine art and fine crafts. Her experience there was the genesis of a passion for the arts and crafts business. “I loved working at Wickwire. When the owner decided to retire, I knew I had to start my own business.”

Karen eventually decided to keep her new shop close to home and opened Firefly next door to the Flat Rock Post Office. It felt like home from the start. “I located the gallery in Flat Rock because I just feel more comfortable here. 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.”

Building off her Wickwire experience, Karen had a good idea of what she wanted to offer her new customers. “We carry only made in America fine art, fine craft, folk art, and gifts in all price ranges. We have something for everyone. If we don’t have something you’re looking for, we’ll do our best to find it!”

She also recognizes the advantage of having a business like hers in Henderson County. Firefly showcases arts and crafts from dozens of local artisans. “There is such a vibrant artists community around here - Flat Rock, Hendersonville, Asheville, and the small towns around here all have great artists. It's unbelievable how much talent is in this area.”

And business has been getting better each year with sales up 35% in 2019. She attributes her continued success to unique high-quality offerings and personalized service for her customers. “I work really hard to find things for my customers that you just don’t see anywhere else.”

She also values the cooperative relationship she enjoys with other Flat Rock merchants. She regularly sends, and receives, 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 don’t have what the customer needs, I will send them across the street to the other shops. We all want to help keep businesses alive here in Flat Rock.”

Karen has considered expanding her business and moving to downtown Hendersonville. But the convenience and congeniality of Flat Rock have kept her from moving. “I’ve met wonderful people and have a lot of fun. I enjoy getting to know my customers by name, hearing about their families, and finding out what’s new in their lives. It’s fun to come to Firefly each day, I get to see old friends and meet new ones too!”

You can find Firefly Craft Gallery at 2689 Greenville Highway right next door to the US Post Office. Gallery hours are 11-5 Tuesday through Saturday.