The Hidden Gem of Downtown Fayetteville

Downtown Fayetteville is filled with dynamic establishments run by passionate risk-takers who are devoted to the community. Our View from the Market House showcases the businesses and entrepreneurs that make downtown shine.

Downtown Fayetteville is buzzing with activity. No matter the need, downtown offers a wide array of services filled with small business owners eager to make an impression. Nestled among the many shops of Hay Street is a unique family-owned business, Moonstone Jewelry. Moonstone Jewelry is an out-of-this-world jewelry store experience. Inside, the walls are lined with an assortment of eye-catching earrings, necklaces and rings — many of which created by designer/owner Samantha Angarita. Upon entering, customers are greeted by the bubbly Angarita in her haute couture, high fashion showroom. Moonstone Jewelry strives to be different by creating a personalized shopping experience where customers can request their own unique, exclusive piece to be designed at an affordable price.

“I love it. I love what I do,” Angarita said. “This is my dream-come-true job.” Just last year, she was designated one of the Fayetteville Observer’s 40 Under Forty as a future up and coming leader in the Fayetteville community. In addition to owning and operating a business, Angarita is busy raising a family with her husband Joel who’s in the military. “My biggest supporter is my husband,” she said. “My son also helps on the weekends, he loves helping his mom, he’s become a familiar face for customers.”

Originally from Venezuela, Angarita moved to the Fayetteville area eight years ago. She learned English and began taking courses at FTCC. In Venezuela she owned a consulting business before moving to the States. No stranger to entrepreneurship, she was eager to jump at the opportunity to run another business, this time in jewelry. “Everyone on my dad’s side is an artist,” Angarita explained. “I wanted to find a way to express myself artistically, which I found in Moonstone.” Aside from her work with Moonstone, she also hosts the local television show Conexion Latina where she informs local Latinos about up and coming events in and around Fayetteville.

The beauty of Moonstone is the customer service. “I like to spend time with my customers and form a relationship with my clients,” Angarita said. “I know their names and stay in touch with them.” Forming a bond with customers allows Angarita to have insight that allows her to craft the right piece of jewelry.

By working with Angarita to craft pieces, customers no longer have to worry about plain, generic trinkets. The personal involvement with the crafting and design process practically guarantees satisfaction. “We are different and I love when people come to see something unique and they can afford it.” She said. “We can work with their budget.” Much of the jewelry lining the walls was not designed by Angarita but was selected by the owner herself. “I go hunting for jewelry. I can tell where each piece is coming from,” she said. “People like to know the story behind it.” Point to anything in her store and there’s a tale to tell.

Angarita stressed that downtown is the to-be place in Fayetteville. “We have everything in downtown,” she said. It’s her hope that by working cooperatively with other shops, they can begin to bring more business to everyone downtown.

Moonstone Jewelry is located at 306 Hay St and is open from 10:30am to 5:30 pm. If you’re looking for exclusive, unique and custom designed jewelry with great customer service, don’t exclude Moonstone from your shopping adventure. Also, while visiting Historic Downtown Fayetteville, experience the other fine quality shops, art venues and restaurants that define the “downtown” experience. There are dozens of equally wonderful experiences waiting to be found in historic Downtown Fayetteville.

Photo: Joy Powell, owner of Shops at 123 Hay Street.