Inflation, fast fashion and growing awareness of the environmental impact of consumption have prompted some retailers and consumers to lean toward second-hand goods. For Maynard residents interested in following this trend, good news: Downtown Maynard has recently welcomed another second-hand store, whose owner’s mission is to put good in the world while running her business. 

The Maynard Voice paid a visit to Maria Caterina Ferretti in her new shop Alden Hollow on Nason Street to learn more about her charming shop and what she plans for its future.  Below is our interview:

Tell us about you, your background.  

I was born in Italy, spent my childhood in Canada and have lived much of my adult life between Europe and North America. I studied at the University of Pisa and have graduate degrees in Foreign Languages and Literatures (French, Italian and English) with a minor in Art History. I lived in Paris for four years, where I worked as a commercial linguist.

Upon returning to the USA in my thirties, I pursued a Master degree in Special Education (with a specialization in Deaf Studies) from Bowling Green State University in Ohio. I am a teacher and have worked with students of all ages for more than 35 years (some of which were also spent teaching Deaf and hard of hearing students).

In my spare time, I enjoy writing, cooking, sewing and walking in the woods with my family. I grew up surrounded by many talented and artistic people, from whom I learned a great deal about sewing, working with textiles and music; I also practiced pottery, but I never pursued any of these disciplines as a profession. 

For years I made things for friends and family. 

I love restoring old furniture and clothing. I think it is the Italian in me that feels a strong sense of respect and appreciation for all that is old; old buildings, furniture, books, pottery, jewelry. My grandfather was an artisan jeweler. I used to like going through his old cases of rings, watches and charms. I imagined the people who wore them and felt like every item had a story.

How special it is to own something that was once treasured by someone else, and continue to “give it life” or use.

Do you live in Maynard?  How/why did you choose this location?

I live in Concord, MA but have spent much time in Maynard, over the years.

When our children were little, my husband and I had a tradition of picking them up from school with their friends, and driving them to Maynard, where they participated in the annual pre-Halloween celebration. I have always found this to be a vibrant town that, for me, is reminiscent of a typical Italian village, where people know each other by name, are part of a community and enjoy congregating in the town center.

We hear some of your proceeds are donated to an organization for the hearing impaired, correct?  

I have had the privilege of being part of the Deaf community since birth. My oldest sister, Laura, is profoundly deaf, and my other sister, Gabriella, was also born with partial deafness. I myself developed a progressive hearing loss around the age of 25. 

If you are a member of the Deaf community, and meet someone else who is deaf, anywhere you may be in the world, there is an immediate connection; the recognition that you are part of a common culture.

Alden Hollow was born from my desire to unite some of the things I am most passionate about: Raising awareness about deafness and Deaf culture, interacting with people, restoring, collecting, and recycling.  

So many beautiful and useful things are thrown away every day. I thought that if I could encourage people to donate items they no longer need or want to my shop, I could see to it that a part of the proceeds go to bridging the gap between the Deaf and hearing communities. My plan is to create opportunities for the hearing and the Deaf to interact, practice American sign Language and engage in events such as a monthly ASL cafe’ or sign language story-telling time.

What I have come to realize is that the experience of shopping isn’t always and only about purchasing goods; it is about going out, seeing and interacting with other people.

How do you choose your merchandise?  How do you decide what a good product mix/price points will work?

I have always been an avid thrifter. I think it comes from my many years of frequenting European markets, where I learned to haggle:)  

Anytime I come across something beautiful and affordable (whether it be at a market, thrift store, antique shop or estate sale) , I buy it and bring it to my shop, in the hope that someone else will love it too.

Another important part of our inventory is accumulated by generous donations from friends and members of our community. 

We are grateful for these and welcome anyone else who would like to donate goods to our shop. In exchange for every donation, one will be given a 10% discount on purchases in our shop.

As far as costs and choice of merchandise are concerned, I have tried putting together a mix of things that I myself would like to find, when shopping in a local store. We live in a culture of increasing disconnect; where so many things can be accomplished online. What I have come to realize is that the experience of shopping isn’t always and only about purchasing goods; it is about going out, seeing and interacting with other people. This is why I want people to know that they are always welcome to just come in and browse, chat, share a cup of tea. (I always have the kettle on, in the back of the shop!)

When starting the shop, I envisioned a place that could offer a little bit of everything and something for everyone. 

Also, it is important for me that there be items at every price point. I aspire for it to be a shop where kids (with their savings) can afford to buy their parents holiday presents, or a brand name sweatshirt for only $11; but also a place where an art lover can find an original Italian oil painting, as well as vintage Italian coral necklace (like those that I have brought back with me from my trips to Italy).

Sometimes we walk into a store and don’t know exactly what we are looking for; that may be the day we find that thing we can’t live without. 

Your window and shop are visually enchanting. Do you have art background or previous merchandising experience?

Thank you for your kind compliment! I love creating spaces. I believe it has something to do with the fact that I have moved a lot in my life. I find the process of decorating even the smallest corner a form of expression and an opportunity to share something aesthetically appealing with others.

Where did the name Alden Hollow come from?  Is there a story to tell?

My husband, two children and I live on a cul de sac called Alden Rd. Cooking and hosting gatherings is an integral part of our lifestyle.

A neighbor of ours has often referred to our place as “Alden Hollow”. “What’s going on in Alden Hollow this weekend?” he’d ask, when we bumped into him on our many walks in the woods. 

So when it came time to find a name for my shop, I wanted something that would reflect warmth, creativity and home, and that nickname (if you can call it that) came to my mind. When I ran it by friends and family, I got a unanimous thumbs up that that was to be the name.

Anything else you’d like us to know?

The magic of a thrift store is that you never know what you will find in it, from one day to the next. I often joke about the fact that I have come to open a shop like this after turning fifty, because with age, I have learned to let go of things.

With every item that leaves the shop, the opportunity to fill an empty space presents itself once again, and I find this exciting.

I would like to thank the town of Maynard for being so welcoming, supportive and enthusiastic.

It is a privilege to have become an active part of this lovely community.

Thank you Maria, and best wishes for a long and prosperous run!