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Local store, Kitsch, showcases artists for a good cause

"Whatever community you are in it's important to take the talents you have and not just use them for your own profit but to give back"

NORFOLK, Va. (WVEC) -- Tucked away on a side street in the Ghent neighborhood of Norfolk is a shop called Kitsch.

Kitsch is a little different from most stores because it's full of items handmade by local artists. Co-owner Christine Redel said the store keeps local businesses alive.

“It keeps it all local and fresh and new. We offer that brick and mortar store for these artists that toil away at their homes,” she said.

With an increasing number of people shopping online, Kitsch’s other co-owner Danielle Norris said their store is stepping out of the box to get customers in the store.

“We have workshops almost weekly artists that sell here will come in and teach someone how to do it themselves,” said Norris.

The store also features works of artists whose proceeds go to great causes like Nicole Lorah’s creation called Chapeaux Chaleureux. When the fancy French name is translated it means, 'Lorah makes warm hats.'

She takes the money from the hats she sells and makes more for babies at the Children's Hospital of the Kings Daughters neonatal intensive care unit (NICU).

“They actually have a bin outside of the NICU right by the secretary and they allow parents to take any of the items,” said Lorah.

Lorah is also trained to rock and hold babies at the hospital as a cuddlier. She said it’s her way of giving back.

“I strongly believe in giving back. I’m also a dancer and with that, I feel like with any art form naturally giving back your art,” said Lorah.

What started as another way to keep Lorah busy has turned into a mission to warm the tiniest hearts.

“Whatever community you are in it's important to take the talents you have and not just use them for your own profit, but to give back,” said Lorah.

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