The Slope Survey returns for its 21st installment with Ann Cantrell.: Ann Cantrell is the owner of Annie’s Blue Ribbon General Store, on 5th Avenue between President and Carroll, which celebrates its 14th anniversary in October. She lives in Park Slope with her husband, comedian Rob Cantrell, and their daughter, a 5th grader at PS321. Ann is also an Associate Professor at FIT specializing in Sustainability and Circularity and a passionate advocate for small businesses.
What brought you to Park Slope?
The owners of Scaredy Kat contacted me about eight years ago when they were moving to North Carolina and wanted another independent store to take their 5th Avenue space. I had opened Annie’s in Boerum Hill (after initially looking in Park Slope) and this was the perfect opportunity as we had wanted a larger space and had so many wonderful Park Slope customers. My family and I moved here four years ago and both professionally and personally, I love being part of this community!
What is your most memorable Brooklyn moment?
The most memorable moment is probably when we hosted our first Egg Hunt in the backyard at Annie’s. We had spread the word but didn’t know what to expect in terms of the turnout. I remember arriving at the shop with a dozen homemade cupcakes to find a line of people stretching down the block waiting to get in (those cupcakes were gone in a minute!) Luckily, we had enough eggs and activities for kids, the weather was beautiful, and we met so many of our neighbors who come back for the Hunt every year (weather and pandemic permitting).
Describe your community superpower.
I am a connector and always havae been. If you are a creator or perform a service and are passionate about it, I want to share your story. I love supporting people who are doing their own thing and doing it well. From my very first business plans for Annie’s, 10 years before I opened, I always envisioned that it would be a place for connecting with the community. That’s what general stores were ꟷ meeting spots where you’d get to know your neighbors and find exactly what you need. I love bringing people together and helping them spread joy with the best gifts.
If you could change one thing about the neighborhood, what would it be?
I love Park Slope just as it is but do wish the drainage systems could be improved. Many of our neighbors suffered damaged from the flooding from Hurricane Ida.
What do you think Brooklyn will look like in 10 years?
I think Park Slope will always keep its charm and sophistication. Thanks to this great community, independent stores and businesses are alive and even thriving in these tough times. I hope that this vitality continues for the next 10 years and many more.
What are you reading, would you recommend it?
Right now, I am reading Writers & Lovers by Lily King which was a gift from a friend (so far so good!). We did a Summer Book Club at Annie’s which was fun, and I have been tearing through novels over the past few months and buy them at Community Books on 7th (see my next answer!).
What is your greatest extravagance?
FREE TIME! I am a shopkeeper, a professor (I teach full time at FIT), a mom, a wife, and a friend. When I make time for myself, I treat myself by buying myself a good book from Community Books.
If you couldn’t live in Brooklyn, where would you go?
I can’t imagine not living here! My family absolutely loves Park Slope and know this is our forever home. That said, one of our favorite places outside of Brooklyn is Capitola, California. It’s an amazing small coastal town that we discovered and fell in love with on a road trip down California’s Route 1. We would love to spend more time there someday!
Who is your hero, real or fictional?
Anyone who has overcome adversity or hardship is a hero to me. I am constantly amazed by the will and determination of people to overcome tough times and it inspires me daily.
Last Word, What’s turning you on these days?
NATURE! I find inspiration through early morning walks, trips to the beach, and enjoying the four seasons. This cooler weather has me thinking about fall and hoping for a healthy and safe next few months.
