Shop Localista: Kokoro

In Japanese, the word 'Kokoro' conveys heart, spirit and soul. In Maplewood vernacular, it also describes a pretty great place to find imaginative presents for just about any occasion or person you could imagine.

In 1993, Kokoro owner Susan Onuma initially opened her retail space in the center of town as a way to support and nurture female business owners and local artists. She was also hoping to reach out and connect with her community. "We didn't have any children," she explains. "So I thought this could be a nice way of meeting people I wasn't going to get the chance of bumping into at back-to-school night or on the soccer field!"

While the space originally housed several other businesses, simultaneously, under the same roof (including the Artistic Swan and a stained glass artisan), only Kokoro remains. Nowadays, the bustling business, which started out as a small sliver specializing in only blue and white pieces, now spills over the entire square footage with colors of every hue and every material under the sun—all hand-picked by Onuma.

Warm, outgoing and quick with a charming chuckle, it is hard to imagine Onuma would ever have any problem whatsoever meeting folks or making fast friends. It would also be difficult for her fiercely loyal clientele to imagine Maplewood without her charming store. When asked what there is to love about Kokoro, one devotee, Alba Rovira-Paoli, answered with a question of her own: "You mean other than everything?!" A customer for over fifteen years, both of her daughters have worked in the store and Rovira-Paoli now counts Onuma amongst her dearest friends.

In fact, Onuma says many of her close friends are former customers, as are more than a few of her artistic vendors: "Many artists come end to shop and end up providing items for the store."

The shop's shelves are peppered with the work of local craftsman—of all ages. Onuma is well known for giving fledgling artists their first big break—even those who haven't made the break from living with their parents. She proudly points out the glass bracelets created by two elementary aged boys, as well as amazing pottery created by Joseph Zwetchkenbaum, a recent Columbia grad, and exquisitely designed jewelry by another prolific local, Kristen Kubilus, now in college.

In addition to spotlighting resident creatives, the store carries an extensive selection of just about everything you'd ever want to give or receive: art, jewelry, stoneware, stationery, Baggallini bags, books (for cooks and kids), toys, trinkets, ties, candles and even solar powered wind chimes.

In short, Onuma fills Kokoro with items she loves.

"I guess my style is eclectic. The store reflects my eccentric tastes," she explains. That taste might be eccentric, but it's undeniably good—and affordable. The shelves are filled with eye-catching pieces at all price points. "My very first customer, years ago, came in and asked if I had something for $2," said Onuma. "I've never forgotten her. Now, I always shop for the store with her in mind. You'll always find something here for any budget."

In trying to connect with her community, Onuma (who still practices law full-time, by the way) has created a shop that's a lot like Maplewood: undeniably unique, mutli-cultural, and inclusive of all ages, genders and interests. It's a gift boutique that truly celebrates the art of giving and creative expression, and the name "Kokoro" sums it up rather nicely, I'd say.

Looking for more reason to pop into Kokoro? Here you go: Susan is offering the Shop Localista Special of the week! Just mention this Patch article and you'll get a very generous 20% off select stationery and bags. As far as I'm concerned, just another reason to heart Kokoro. (Offer good this Friday, September 3 through Friday, September 10.)

Kokoro: 172 Maplewood Ave, Maplewood, NJ 07040 | 973-378-7988

Hours: Wed - Sat, 10am - 5:30 p.m.; Sun, 11 a.m. - 4 p.m.; Mon, Tue, closed.