Meet the Makers: Lindenbrook Shoppe
Lindenbrook Shopppe's Journey from Camera Lens to Paint Brush
Debbie Hoyt, the owner of Lindenbrook Shopppe, has a story that proves it's never too late to discover a hidden talent. What started with a camera nearly two decades ago has transformed into a thriving watercolor art business right here at Fresh Market at Hershey Towne Square.
It Started with a Camera
Debbie's creative journey began in high school photography class, but it wasn't until almost 20 years ago that she picked up a camera again. Starting with a simple point and shoot, she gradually worked her way up to more advanced cameras and lenses, teaching herself to shoot manually along the way. The learning didn't stop there. She dove into editing software and mastered formatting and printing, essentially becoming a self-taught professional photographer.
Her dedication to the craft took her across the globe. In Australia, Debbie worked on a Central Australia Tourism project where her photos were featured in both print and social media. She had the incredible opportunity to meet Brolga and Tahnee of the famous Kangaroo Sanctuary, along with their celebrity kangaroo Roger. Her work as an IStock by Getty Images contributor earned her a feature in Wildlife Photographic Magazine.
Landscapes and animals became her favorite subjects to photograph, though she quickly learned that wedding photography wasn't her calling. "I tried second-shooting weddings and it's not for me," Debbie admits.
Her favorite memories were made during Sunday Fundays with her husband in Australia. He would drive their Prado four-wheeling while she captured the stunning scenery through her lens, always stopping at a roadhouse for a bite to eat. The couple also checked off bucket list items like visiting Hobbiton in New Zealand, exploring Oahu in Hawaii, and ringing in the 2017 New Year in Sydney on their way back to the U.S. Cape Cod also holds a special place in her heart as a photographer's paradise.
I Didn't Know I Could Paint!
The transition from photography to watercolor art happened in the most unexpected way. When Debbie's mom would visit for months at a time in Virginia, she always brought her watercolor paints. During one visit, her first painting of the week was inspired by a kangaroo photo Debbie had taken. But as her mom worked on the piece, she began losing dexterity in her hands. This was the early sign of what would become a long journey with aphasia and Alzheimer's/dementia.
Looking at her daughter, she said something that would change Debbie's life. "Deb, you finish it!"
"Mom, I don't know how to paint!" Debbie protested.
Her mom's simple response? "Just try!"
That moment of encouragement sparked something Debbie didn't know existed within her. She caught the painting bug and hasn't put down the brush since. For the past six years, she's been creating watercolor art with the same passion she once had for photography.
Debbie's mom has since joined her dad in Heaven. "I can only imagine the reunion on that side!" she reflects warmly.
Today, Debbie is a professional watercolor artist who owns Lindenbrook Shopppe, a gift shop at Fresh Market showcasing her beautiful work. "Can't get better than that!" she says.
From teaching herself photography in the Australian outback to discovering a hidden talent for watercolor through her mother's gentle push, Debbie's journey reminds us that creativity has no timeline and inspiration can come from the most unexpected places.
Stop by Lindenbrook Shopppe on the lower level of Fresh Market to see Debbie's stunning watercolor pieces and find the perfect handcrafted gift. Every piece carries a story of adventure, love, and the beautiful encouragement of a mother who knew her daughter could do anything she set her mind to.