An entrepreneur said she hopes property owners in St George’s will be inspired by the launch of two businesses in a vibrant new space in the Olde Towne — and open their doors to prospective tenants.

Kristin White announced the opening of Long Story Short, her tour company and retail store, and Frequency Café and Hub, owned by Rolisa Camille, which have relocated to The Arcades.

Ms White and Ms Camille will celebrate their grand opening on Saturday at the building, located on the western end of Water Street and accessible from Duke of York Street.

Ms White told The Royal Gazette: “I decided early last year that I wanted a new location.

“It was time for new energy, and I wanted a space where my tour guests would be able to wait with seating, and for them to have access to a restroom and refreshments.

“It was a long search as there just aren't many spaces available for rent in St George's.

“I saw maybe two properties but never really heard back. I also hoped to speak to one abandoned building owner to see if they'd be interested in letting us move in to fix it up but to no avail.

“Many people don't realise that although a number of commercial spaces are closed or boarded up, it doesn't mean they are available.

“Some property owners don't want to rent for whatever reason.”

Ms White said the St George’s Preservation Authority appeared to have little oversight of building owners who let their structures sit empty. The authority has been approached for comment.

She added that government-owned buildings could be opened up at no cost or minimal cost to artists, musicians and entrepreneurs.

Ms White, whose business has been featured in local and international media, said: “My search for a new location took several frustrating months, which made getting a beautiful space that much more wonderful.

“I am hopeful that other building owners will see what we have been able to do at The Arcades with our own investment and be inspired to open up to other entrepreneurs."

The Arcades also houses Lacquered Lounge, East End Variety and St George’s Dance Studio.

Ms White and Ms Camille discussed finding a space for their businesses to work together and jumped at the chance when The Arcades became available.

Frequency and Long Story Short intend to leverage their spaces in The Arcades — which includes a large outdoor patio — to increase their products and services, and offer community events.

“Rolisa and I are so excited about our new locations and eager to welcome the community to The Arcades,” Ms White said.

“Over the years, my history tours have turned into lots of other cultural offerings including lectures, food and cocktail experiences, and scavenger hunts.

“My team and I also curate larger events like group trip itineraries, corporate dinners and community festivals.

“Now, I’m repositioning the brand to focus more on these, with a full tour centre and expanded tour calendar.

“Our new fleet of electric bicycles will be arriving soon just in time for the height of the summer visitor season, and though we’ll be putting more focus on tours, my retail store will continue to be a mainstay.”

Ms Camille said: “I worked at Café Latte when I was 14 years old, a café that was right here in The Arcades where my café is now.

“This space holds a great deal of meaning for me and I am overwhelmed with happiness to have this beautiful new space.”

The café, designed by Tara Sapien, a multidisciplinary artist and entrepreneur, features eating nooks, window seating, artwork and a full kitchen.

Future plans include an expansion of food and beverage, growing the catering services and the pursuit of a liquor licence.

Ms Camille said she envisions a space that not only serves food and drinks but also serves “smiles, connection and inspiration”.

She added: “Now that the brand is established, the goal is to introduce my grander vision for Frequency, which includes community kindness and connection initiatives, including a Café Conversations podcast geared to uplifting, connecting and inspiring Bermuda as a whole.”

The opening on Saturday was scheduled to coincide with HERstory: Women’s History Month Festival, which is being hosted by the Women’s Resource Centre, and curated by Ms White and her team at Long Story Short.

Ms White added: “One of the goals of this event is to highlight female entrepreneurs so it made sense that we’d do the grand opening of our two woman-owned businesses on the same day.”

The event, which is open to the public, will take place from noon, with a speech by Quinell Francis, the Mayor of St George.

There will be musical and literary performances, a pop-up bar and some tours.

Renée Ming, the MP for St George’s North, will speak at the closing of the cultural activities at 4pm before more entertainment.