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The company is the only supplier of 3D supplies in Burke County. Don’t Blink 3D owner Kimberly Dawkins cut the ribbon along with Mayor Dennis Anthony. Also in attendance was Town Manager Bill Carroll, County Commissioner Mike Stroud, Town Alderman Scott Coe, Western Piedmont Community College President Dr. Joel Welch, Chamber President and CEO Tonia Stephenson, Chamber Board Member Myron Stephens and Ambassadors Carl Beardsworth, Devan Berry, Gerald Greene, Janet Hannah, Lindsey Hazelhurst, Stephanie Lipski and Logan Smithers.

Don’t Blink 3D — Curiosities & Supplies has 12 local artists and vendors.

The News Herald asked 10 questions of Don’t Blink 3D owner Kimberly Dawkins for a local business spotlight. Here are her responses:

• Name of business/organization: Don’t Blink 3D — Curiosities & Supplies
• Owner/CEO or director name(s): Kimberly Dawkins, owner; Everly York, CEO of Toy Integrity (she is 2)
• Business address: 114 S. Main St., Â鶹´«Ã½ NC 28655

What’s new? (Is this a new business? A new location?):

This is a new business.

How did the business get started? What month/year did it open?

I would have to say I seriously started thinking of making my 3D printing into a business at the 2024 April Craft Show in Valdese. So I went and got a DBA for the 3D part of my dream. About a month later I was dead set on opening my own shop and bringing in other local crafters. That is when I applied for the LLC for Don’t Blink 3D.

Why did you choose Burke County as a place to invest in?

Burke County is a fantastic area of diversity of people. Some make art and some just love art.

What made you/your organization decide to take this step to open a new business or location?

It’s been a dream of mine to have a shop where people could shop and work in a relaxed environment.

What challenges did you overcome to reach this goal?

I had a few people tell me that it was too big of a project for me to do. Some told me that vendors would NEVER share a space with other vendors. Lenders said that they didn’t see how I would be able to make a profit. However, it turns out that the vendors LOVE my vision of a boutique style shop. And because of help and support of people who believed in me, I’m able to keep working part-time while they watch my shop till it can stand on its own. Because of them, I was able to open without getting a loan.

How did it feel to reach this goal?

It’s been like a dream seeing what I’ve always wanted come to reality.

How long did it take to go from idea to opening this business or new location?

I would have to say it was about four years ago is when I realized that I wanted my own store. I just didn’t really know what kind of store it was. It was about two years ago is when I knew that I wanted a shop for local artists and crafters. Plus a place so that other people who needed 3D printing supplies would have a place to come to.

What services/products do you bring to Burke County?

I’m offering a place where people can come and shop for crafts that are made locally.

What makes your business/organization special, or stand out from the rest?

As far as I know, I am the only shop that offers 3D printing supplies and repairs.

What do you love or enjoy about this business?

Meeting my amazing vendors and finding out how truly talented the people of Burke County are.