Karizma Reopens In New Church Street Location

Karizma Reopens In New Church Street LocationPhotos: Shane Downing/Hoodline
Shane Downing
Published on November 02, 2016

Given the numerous business closures along the 200 block of Church Street in recent months, we were surprised to see formerly closed jewelry store Karizma reopen—albeit in a different location.

Amidst uncertainty, Karizma suddenly closed up shop at 213 Church St. in early June. The store's manager, Momo, posted a note on the door saying that it had shuttered due to "renovations requested by the landlord."

“We have to move out [of] this location for now,” wrote Momo. Karizma was hoping to return in August; however, it wasn’t clear if it would be able to reopen in the same location.

Well, two weeks ago, Karizma did, in fact, reopen, but in another location at 262 Church St.. “It took a few months,” laughed Momo.

She said that Karizma’s landlord wanted to help perpetuate the jewelry store’s 21-year tenure in the neighborhood. “We have the same landlord [as before]. Usually, [landlords] don't care,” said Momo, “but because we'd been there for a long time, he knew we were good tenants and he cooperated to help us find this place—something we really appreciate.”

Karizma's previous location was at 213 Church Street.

Momo is thrilled to have Karizma back in business on Church Street. Although the new location is about 100 square feet larger than the previous space, the clientele is the same. “We have so many supportive customers,” she said. “They feel like family.”

During the months that the jewelry store was closed, Momo did some minimal jewelry repair work, mainly from die-hard customers who would call her. But because the store doesn’t do online transactions, business was practically nonexistent. “On principle,” said Momo, “I don’t complain."

"We’re settling in good, a lot of people are stopping by to say ‘hi,’ and we’re lucky to keep our business in our neighborhood," she said. "It feels like home.”