The Crooked Crown Market now in the Frogmore building

Byram — No it’s not your imagination, you read that right. The lights are on and the doors are open but Frogmore the gift store that you remember at 238 US Highway 206 in Byram for the last 49 years is not reopening even with our wishful thinking. The retail space has been turned into a vendor and crafters haven. The Crooked Crown Market is opening up inside the old Frogmore. The space has been opened to those with home based businesses, crafters and artisans alike.
“This is so exciting” says Keri Fleming a Byram resident and owner of Bows by Brielle. Fleming recalled all the years of shopping at Frogmore, “It was the place to go for gifts, it was devastating when they closed.” Welcoming the new opportunity for her home-based small business, Fleming said, “I am thrilled to be able to have a place that I can show and sell all my products!” Fleming makes all her custom products, she has created custom bows for the Lenape Valley and Sparta cheerleaders to custom T-shirts, onesies, cups, mugs and more.
“I did the market they had in August which was great," Fleming said. "I am already signed up for the one coming up in September!”
The Crooked Crown Market is one of the newest ventures for Kate Reinhardt, former owner of Frogmore.
“I couldn’t stand to see the building just sitting empty; the location holds memories for far too many people to just sit vacant now,” she said.
The building is still up for sale, but while it’s waiting for its new owner its being put to good use. People routinely say it’s a place that they really missed visiting.
“It’s a blessing to be able to open the doors again for the community” said Reinhardt. “I know it will never replace Frogmore, but the idea of what this building can provide to others is truly a gift.” Another local vendor Jessica Malcolm who has just begun her home-based business with Amelia James Clothing in March of this year.
“I attended the market in August and it was amazing,” she said. “I couldn’t believe the turnout! Everyone was so excited to be back inside the building, it was like a homecoming, everyone back together again!”
Amelia James clothing line hits every woman’s clothing trifecta; Amelia James is stylish, comfortable and flattering to all and the prices aren’t bad either. Malcolm was so pleased about the August event, “I can’t wait for September and the next few months ahead, this is a wonderful place to set up and introduce customers to Amelia James. Kate even set up fitting rooms.”
Reinhardt is also representing two home based businesses. Her first passion is Arbonne, a company of beauty, health and wellness products that are made in the USA which are 100% vegan, gluten free and botanically based.
“I fell in love with these products a few years ago, the face masks and anti-aging line is phenomenal; but the health and wellness products are amazing,” Reinhardt said. “I love that Arbonne is all non-GMO, plant based proteins, and packed with nutrients that aren’t loaded with sugar.”
These are the exact products that customers are looking for today. Reinhardt said, "We have enough chemicals surrounding us daily, at least the part we can control is what we put in and on our bodies.”
Arbonne has products for babies, men and athletes too. Reinhardt’s other new venture is the fabulously fun and girly Matilda Jane Clothing. This quality clothing line has an amazing fan following. Matilda Jane is all about keeping a little girl…a little girl, keeping her spinning, twirling, carefree and happy. Matilda Jane’s clothing sizes run from babies to ladies even some fun mommy and me sets. Matilda Jane is listed in this year’s New York City Fashion Week.
"We are ecstatic over this” Reinhardt explains; “This is huge for us and Matilda Jane.” Matilda Jane will be participating in Fashion Week in New York on Sunday September 9 with the Fashion Show beginning at 1:00 pm. You can check out New York City Fashion Week Online to get tickets and see the schedule.
“I’ve never helped plan a fashion show like this. It's pretty nerve racking, but exciting,” she said.
The Crooked Crown Market's upcoming dates are Friday, September 14 from 5:00 pm until 8:00 pm and Saturday September 15 from 10:00 am until 4:00 pm. The Crooked Crown Market will be open on select evenings and weekend days to accommodate vendors that have full time jobs.
“We are just getting started and growing fast,” said Reinhardt. “We are always accepting new vendors, crafters and artisans of all kinds. We want variety for the customers.”
The participating vendors will vary from event to event so each visit will be unique. Interested in becoming a vendor, contact Kate Reinhardt at kate@thecrookedcrown.com or message on Facebook @thecrookedcrownmarket. The Crooked Crown Market is located at 238 US Highway 206 N, in Byram Twp. NJ. Follow them on Facebook for the most up to date market hours.