Stepping into Happy Happy Joy Joy (HHJJ) is almost impossible to describe—it’s just something you have to experience for yourself to get it. The same goes for meeting the owner Jean-Marie Merkle. Her personality is what makes the store so unique, as the shop is literally a deep dive inside her brain packed into a 400 square feet shop. The only way to sum up the emotions that hit you when you enter is with “happy happy joy joy!”.
Jean-Marie’s first brainchild, Dig Digital, is a creative studio dedicated to providing innovative marketing services to farms and other local food businesses, focusing on sustainability and community engagement. Upon seeing the shop’s maximalist vibe, which bursts with color and creativity, you would not expect Jean-Marie’s background to be rooted in helping farmers build their digital media presence. After burning out in her everyday work and feeling overwhelmed by the corporate grind, Jean-Marie packed up her belongings and took some time to live on a farm in Tennessee. This experience allowed her to reconnect with her roots and gain firsthand knowledge of the challenges faced by farmers in the digital age. After originally moving back to Philadelphia, she made the move to Lancaster, drawn in by its unique vibe and a vibrant community of artists and entrepreneurs where she could maintain a connection to agriculture and explore other artistic ventures at the same time.
Jean-Marie credits divine timing to her success with opening HHJJ. The business came together in 4 short weeks, after finding her location on King street for rent and diving head first into a new venture. Through personal connections and social media, Jean-Marie has been able to build a fan base that stretches across Lancaster in the 6 short months the shop has been open. Almost everyone who enters the store leaves with a new product (I mean – how could you not?) tucked neatly into a yellow smiley face bag. Stickers, rugs, and other trinkets rotate through the store frequently, so there is always something for everyone. Need a beanie that shows off your love of dill pickles? Got it. Want a candle that looks like a tiny tin of sardines? Grab one on your way to the register.
As a proudly queer and woman-owned business, Jean-Marie’s mission has always been to cultivate a vibrant and welcoming environment for everyone who steps through the door, while uplifting fellow members of the community as much as possible. HHJJ has blossomed into a hub for local artists to showcase their incredible talents—like the creations of Soop and crumbs—while also serving as a venue for pop-up events that spotlight the amazing offerings of other local businesses, including Elsewhere Bread and Joy’s chai. Keep an eye out for any of these pop-up events, they have become very popular and items tend to sell out fast! Be sure to check out the next pop-up event “Mini mini mart mart” this Saturday, November 23rd.
With the help of Foxduck design, HHJJ has undergone a recent brand expansion in anticipation of the businesses bright future. Jean-Marie’s plans for the shop include branching out into other creative sectors, like a micro hotel and mini market and more. There is no limit to her creative power, so it should not come as a surprise to anyone that the sky is the limit for the future of HHJJ. But fear not, the current location of the shop has only just begun its lease so there is plenty of time to soak in the wonders of HHJJ as we know it.
Just in time for the holiday gift giving season, you can also find HHJJ mentioned in Lancaster City’s Retail Guide, which debuted in November along with the Cozy Up Issue of Fig Magazine. Being associated with Fig Magazine as a small business in Lancaster is a big deal, especially for a newly opened business that is “off the beaten path”. While HHJJ is only a 4 minute walk from the Central Market, it is admittedly not a store that you wander into by accident. With the additional exposure of Fig Magazine, HHJJ is sure to be a bustling location this holiday season – so stop by while you can to beat the crowds!
HHJJ and Jean-Marie have given Lancaster city such a fun energy in a short time, showcasing the vibrant spirit that our community holds. It’s a testament to what happens when we rally together to support and uplift the creative minds behind our local small businesses. The holidays are a critical moment for our small business community, filled with an increase in shopping and joyful spending, reminding us that supporting local is more essential than ever. Stay connected with Jean-Marie and the shop through social media to discover the latest treasures and trinkets that await you!
Instagram: @shophappyhappyjoyjoy
Website: shophappyhappyjoyjoy.com (subscribe via email to receive 25% off your first web order!!)
Femme Forward - Lancaster, PA 
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