VINTAGE FINDS, VINYL VIBES, AND LOCAL LOVE—BRAMBLE IS OFFICIALLY OPEN!
By Lisa Coburn
“We were very encouraged by the turnout of opening night. There were so many new and familiar smiling faces. We wouldn’t have made it this far without having such a wonderful community!” – Frankie and Fig Hawkins
The little white storefront on Washington Street that seemed to wait for the right owners finally has its moment. Bramble, the whimsical shop dreamed up by Frankie and Fig Hawkins, officially opened its doors, and the energy on opening night reflected the excitement the couple has been building in downtown Lewisburg.
The store was alive with snacks, shopping, and conversation. “Just a quick huge THANK YOU to everyone who came out to support us tonight,” the couple shared. “We were so happy to see new and familiar faces and feel so honored and encouraged by the community turnout. Your gifts, contributions, smiles, hugs, ideas, are all soooooo valuable to us!!”
A Shop Built on Serendipity
Frankie and Fig arrived in Lewisburg last year after two cross-country moves, from Portland, Oregon to Arizona, and finally to West Virginia, searching for a place to call home. “Then we stumbled upon this place, came and visited, and fell in love with it,” they explain.
When the small white storefront downtown became available, they saw an opportunity. “Cue what we describe as a cosmic lineup,” Frankie says. And just like that, Bramble began to take root.
Inside, the shop is a maximalist mix-up of the couple’s favorite things: vintage-inspired clothing, quirky gifts, candy, toys, and ephemera. Lego sets invite exploration, and a vinyl corner features jazz, hip hop, international music, and niche artists. “It’s kind of like a treasure hunt,” Fig says.
More Than a Store: A Place to Gather
Bramble is designed as a place to linger, chat, and connect. Stools near the counter and inviting nooks give the shop a welcoming, community feel. The Hawkinses are already planning small, creative events, from themed hangouts and vinyl listening sessions to gatherings for trading knick-knacks and clothes. Music and art continue to shape the store’s personality. “We’re just bringing ourselves into it fully. This is what we love,” they say.
A Community Celebration
The excitement of opening night reflected the couple’s growing connection to downtown Lewisburg. “We’ve really gotten to know a lot of the downtown crowd. We feel like we’re just going to fit right in,” they say.
With a live website now available for online shopping at bramblewv.com and a contact line at 681-299-0854, Bramble is ready to welcome visitors near and far. Regular hours are Thursday through Monday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., with Sunday hours from 12 to 4 p.m. Questions and inquiries can also be sent via email to bramblewv@gmail.com.
Looking Forward
Though new, the store’s energy and the community’s warm reception suggest Bramble will quickly become a downtown staple. With eclectic merchandise, creative programming, and a welcoming atmosphere, Bramble offers more than just shopping. It’s a place to connect, explore, and be inspired.
The couple shares, “We’re so grateful for all of you and for helping make it happen. We can’t wait to see what comes next.”
