Much of the personality and charm of Ballard is due to the small businesses that have been popping up on Market Street, 24th Avenue and Ballard Avenue.

A little north from Ballard's historical district is an up and coming neighborhood of small shops and cafes on 70th Street. Off of 15th and 8th Avenues Northwest, this area adds to the array of businesses that make up Ballard.

"I picked this location partly because I liked the space itself and saw a certain potential in it and also just because it is tucked away in a neighborhood which lends it a certain quaintness," said Franz Gilbertson, owner of Honore Artisan Bakery.

Located in the area since August 2006 and a Ballard resident since 2004, Gilbertson has established himself in the area by serving the community baked goods and espresso drinks made right in his bakery.

Gilbertson said he loves the feeling of being a part of the local fabric while being able to meet so many different interesting people.

Also attracted to the spot for being a pocketed or hidden secret in a residential neighborhood, two new businesses, Bella Umbrella, a vintage umbrella store and Caprice Kitchen, a restaurant which changes its menu based on what local produce is in season, have also found their niche in the area.

Moving into the neighborhood last March, Jodell Egbert, owner of Bella Umbrella, fell in love with the neighborhood and opened her former eight-year website business now turned shop this last December.

Collecting over 100 umbrellas over time prompted Egbert to create the current Bella Umbrella.

"Bella Umbrella attracts the curious neighbors as well as brides who pop in to select their wedding rental umbrellas," said Egbert. " It turns out Bella Umbrella is the only place in the world which rents vintage umbrellas."

Caprice Kitchen owner Ann-Catherine Kruger said the neighborhood chose her. Loving Ballard, she had never ventured in the 70th Street realm and once she did, it drew her in and she has loved the community that is there.

Seeing food as a way to bring people closer, Kruger has been a chef for five years, mainly on boats. She decided she wanted "an anchor to swallow," something that could keep her in one place for awhile.

Buying the former Treed caf/, she found the small kitchen similar to a boat's while still being able to seat 22 people. Kruger has been in the current location for the past seven weeks.

"It was a perfect number for me to serve," Kruger said. "I came to this spot because it is tucked away and because it serves a neighborhood. I love community and think it's important especially in these hard economic times."

However, even with the most recent economic downturn, these business owners feel by offering their small luxuries and promoting the idea to shop locally they help each other and the Ballard business district by keeping money within the community.