Celebrating 45 Years of Dragonfly

Celebrating 45 Years of Tradition and Trading at Dragonfly in Newport

Dragonfly, a cornerstone of the Isle of Wight’s vibrant Nodehill community, marks its 45th anniversary this week. Originally established as Newport Handicrafts on April 14, 1979, by Dianne Jones-Evans, the store has evolved significantly, adopting the name Dragonfly in the mid-1980s to reflect its expanded offering of jewellery and gifts, in response to customer demand.

Nestled in the heart of a district known for its independent traders and community cohesion, Dragonfly is a testament to the enduring legacy of local family businesses. Dianne, who grew up in Nodehill above her family’s bakery and grocery, has infused her business with the familial spirit of the area. Her daughter Julie, who began as the shop’s first "Saturday girl," is now a co-owner and director, continuing the family tradition into the new millennium.

Dragonfly has always been more than just a shop; it served as a home to Dianne and her children, with family members from multiple generations, including Dianne’s mother, sisters, nieces, nephews, son Richard and grandson Harri, all contributing to the business over the years. Even today, at 82, Dianne remains actively involved, particularly in managing crucial bookkeeping tasks.

Reflecting on the shop’s longevity, Dianne credits "hard work, good financial controls, listening to our customers, dedicated staff, and constantly refreshing our offerings and window displays" as key to their success. Dragonfly’s commitment to quality and community connection has attracted a loyal customer base.

Today, Dragonfly is a vibrant, welcoming shop on Upper St James's Street, offering an eclectic mix of products, including beautiful crystals, gifts, jewellery, aromatherapy products, clothing, accessories, and spiritual guidance readings. The shop’s rich history includes participation in outdoor festivals and events such as the IW Festival, Rhythm Tree, and their own Mind Body Spirit events. From 2009 to 2018, Dragonfly expanded to include a holistic treatment centre at no 81, which is now the studio of Dianne’s talented nephew Tom, a renowned tattooist.

As Dragonfly celebrates this significant milestone, the Jones-Evans family extends a warm thank you to the community and team members that have supported them through nearly half a century. They look forward to many more years of serving and growing with their community.

For media inquiries, please contact:

Julie Jones-Evans

Email: flyinghighjulie@yahoo.co.uk

Telephone: 01983 523278

07886437688

Visit Us:

Dragonfly

80 Upper St James's Street, Newport, Isle of Wight, PO30 1LG

Monday to Saturday: 9:30 AM – 5:30 PM

Website: https://dragonflywellbeing.co.uk