about us     sssssssssssssssssssssssss

noa jewelry, fine handcrafts & gifts began in a carriage house at the back of a Main Street, Groton, home in July of 2002. At the time, Barbara Scofidio had envisioned starting a retail store selling vintage jewelry (which she bought and refurbished, selling at boutiques around the country), as well as local handcrafts. She was inspired by the Groton Center for the Arts' "Finest Kind" artisan sale, which took place every December—but wanted to create a year-round store for Groton. She and then-partner Joni Parker-Roach called on artist friends they knew, including potter Kristen McEvoy, painter Pamela Goldberg, and jeweler Jeanine Taylor of Snooty Jewelry, and the store opened with about 25 local artists.

When the space at 157 Main St. in Groton (photo below) became available in early 2006, Barbara and Joni separated the business, each pursuing their own passions. Joni now runs a popular art school (NOA Fine Art & Gallery School)  at the former 113 Main St. location, and her gallery features her paintings and those of other local artists. Barbara moved the jewelry, fine handcrafts & gifts to the new storefront, and  noa was born. Her husband and business partner, Ian, came on board later that year.

                                                      

In September 2008, the couple opened their second store at 86 Commonwealth Avenue in West Concord (on everyone's favorite street, location of Debra's Natural Gourmet and the West Concord 5&10), and in 2010, they were asked by Fruitlands Museum in Harvard to run the museum store, which they continue to do today. The stores now feature the work of 200 local artists, and 95% of what they sell is made within New England.

Ian and Barbara are passionate proponents of the LOCAL FIRST movement. "A customer once told me that our business has integrity," Barbara says. "That vision of creating a retail model that buys almost everything locally and supports the community is the guiding force behind everything we do. We hope one day to share our business model with others so they can open similar stores across the country and reclaim our Main Streets."