Spotlight with JHG Collections & Artwork: How RenewAll Helps Entrepreneurs Thrive

Last Updated 4/3/2025

JoelGun
Hidden within Village Antiques & Art, Joel Gun’s business, JHG Collections & Artwork, is more than just a shop—it’s a passion project built on years of collecting, creativity, and family dedication. What started as a hobby for Joel and his wife, Efi, has grown into a business showcasing antique books, pocket knives and artwork. Now, with aspirations of expanding both his business and his online presence, Joel is navigating the challenges of small business ownership.

The Journey of JhG Collections and Artwork

Joel’s business began with a love for collecting and a deep appreciation for craftsmanship. “Village Antiques, and Central City in general, really inspired us to make this move from online selling to selling in person,” Joel said. He lives in the West Huntington neighborhood and started coming to Village Antiques with his family to shop, and then was invited to table at an event. From there, the entire family has become business owners and booth renters at Village Antiques and Art. Their hobbies of collecting and creating quickly turned into a business.

On the glass case, Joel’s business message to all who visit states, “One of the few tools that can be a part of your everyday life. Get yourself a pocket knife. Or give a gift to someone special that will make them think of you, as every day carry brings you a gift of something new.”

Beyond antiques, Joel is also a dedicated writer, having spent over 20 years crafting a book he hopes to publish by the end of the year. His journey as an author parallels his experience as a business owner—both requiring perseverance, adaptation, and a willingness to learn.

Challenges and Opportunities

One of Joel’s biggest challenges has been increasing the visibility of his business. While Village Antiques and Art offers a welcoming and supportive environment, foot traffic can be inconsistent, making it difficult to generate steady sales. Recognizing this, Joel is eager to expand online marketing as a means to reach a broader audience. 

That’s where RenewAll steps in. Through its commitment to fostering economic development in Central City, RenewAll provides resources and opportunities that help small business owners like Joel navigate the complexities of digital marketing and community engagement.

How RenewAll Supports Entrepreneurs

RenewAll is actively working with Joel to enhance his business’s online presence by:

Providing Digital Marketing Resources: By offering guidance on Google Maps and social media engagement, RenewAll is helping Joel reach potential customers beyond the Village Antiques.
Encouraging Community Support: Word-of-mouth and online reviews are powerful tools for small businesses. RenewAll is promoting local businesses through community events, blogging (like this!) and encouraging patrons to leave reviews for vendors like JHG Collections & Artwork.

Looking Toward the Future

When asked what his dream would be, Joel said, “In five years, I would like to see us expanding with Village Antiques and helping the street become more profitable, shoppable, and entertaining. My dream is to use my business to promote our artwork and use our artwork to re-invest back into our business and eventually operate our own brick-and-mortar.” 

His story is a testament to the power of perseverance and the importance of community-driven support.


How You Can Support Local Entrepreneurs TODAY

Supporting small businesses doesn’t always mean making a purchase—though that certainly helps! Here are a few ways you can help businesses like Joel’s thrive:

  • Leave a Google review for JHG Collections & Artwork to boost their online visibility.

  • Visit Village Antiques & Art at 610 W. 14th Street and explore the variety of unique, handcrafted, and vintage items for sale.

  • Share this story with others who appreciate supporting local artisans and entrepreneurs.

With RenewAll’s continued dedication to developing a thriving business district, entrepreneurs like Joel are finding the guidance and encouragement they need to succeed. By working together, we can ensure that Central City remains a hub of creativity, commerce, and community-driven growth.

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