Congratulations to Ann Kelly who has opened her business – Northern Lights Gift Shop – on York St. Selling nature gifts, cards, books, and Bibles, Ann opened at the start of November, a quick turnaround from getting the keys just four weeks earlier! Ann aptly named her business “Northern Lights Gift Shop” for many reasons – we live in the “North,” we are all “lights” in this present world, and the year 2024 has seen an unprecedented number of occurrences of the Northern Lights on full display as far south as Stratford! Oh and let’s not forget how the concept for the store actually came to Ann in the form of a dream more than seven years ago!
She shared this with a local media outlet in November: “In my dream the Northern Lights are on full display. My neighbours are all asleep but I go to their doors knocking and waking them up to come see the Northern Lights because it doesn’t happen very often. The dream ended and I had this thought go through my mind that I should be more excited about telling people about the Creator of the Northern Lights.”
For 17 years Ann worked at The Gospel Lighthouse, right up until it closed in 2019. Since then she’s regularly heard from folks who share how much they miss the shop and its offerings. She also worked for a time at Treasures and HH Delea. It’s clear to see that Ann appreciates cards and gifts!
Since being introduced to a life of faith by her brother in her late teen years, Ann has never looked back. She brings her deep faith and her passion for nature to the shop and all that she has on offer. She’s very happy to be the only shop in Stratford that offers a wide variety of bibles, a purchase one would rather make in person than online. As well as gifts, Northern Lights offers a wonderful community gathering space at the rear of the shop. People are welcome to gather for bible study, prayer and for fellowship. Coffee and treats are available and live music will soon be added to the calendar!
Finally, Ann is also a mom of three boys, an author and an artist. Her beautifully detailed paintings of animals on rocks, slate and wood may one day soon have a spot in her new shop. Her book – Focus on Bible Codes – is available for purchase!
Northern Lights is open 10am to 5pm, Monday through Saturday. Closed on Sunday.
For more information, find Northern Lights Gift Shop in our online directory.
