Rij Statia Souvenirs owner Rijzena “Rij” Hooker (centre), her mother Milly Hooker-Berkel (right) and some customers displaying souvenirs of St. Eustatius.
ST. EUSTATIUS--Rij Statia Souvenirs opened its doors last week with an open house. With the coronavirus pandemic, not many businesses have opened their doors in St. Eustatius and many non-essential establishments have been closing down due to the emergency ordinance.
However, owner of Rij Statia Souvenirs, Rijzena “Rij” Hooker is up to the challenge and opened her business in these difficult times, treating her guests to local drinks and snacks during the official opening of her store.
Hooker is an accomplished educator with more than six years of experience working in practical education at Gwendoline van Putten Secondary School.
She started making custom souvenirs in 2016. Hooker’s love for her home island is well-known and she believes this new business venture will enable her to be an ambassador for Statia.
Hooker makes handcrafted items in her spare time after school hours. During last year’s Statia Day celebration all persons attending the event at the Lion’s Den were presented with souvenirs from her hand, such as replicas of the Statia flag and the coat of arms.
The daughter of Godfrey Hooker and Milly Hooker-Berkel is very passionate about her island and has cast the love for her island in a physical, artistic form.
Many customers and supporters came out to show their love and appreciation for her souvenirs, which were showcased during the opening event.
