In April 2025, we met with the owners of two prominent local businesses on Hope Street in Providence. Here are their stories:
When strolling through Fox Point, it is common to see small white placards attached to the fronts of historical buildings, usually with a year of construction and a name. The William Aplin House, constructed in 1826, is one of many of these buildings on Hope, currently occupied by a local business: Gregory’s Optical, also known as Gregory’s. Gregory’s has been around since 1989, first located on Thayer, then Wickenden, and finally, Hope. In its current location, the property’s age gives Gregory’s a special charm.
A couple of miles north of Gregory’s is a store called The Camera Werks. Patricia Zacks established The Camera Werks on Hope in 1988. Over the past 37 years, many small businesses on Hope have come and gone, but The Camera Werks still thrives. The store sells various products and services, including film development, passport photos, picture frames, greeting cards, camera repairs, and postcards. It is one of the last independently owned camera shops in Rhode Island.
The owner of Gregory’s Optical, Michel Sirota, has started to see shifts among his clientele since the pandemic and the beginning of President Donald Trump’s second term. His clients, typically wealthier, highly educated liberals, are “stressed and depressed” as Michael put it, because they are disgusted with the current political state of the country. In addition, most glasses companies that Gregory’s partners with are foreign and ship overseas. An increase in prices for certain foreign companies due to recently imposed tariffs has forced American opticians to raise prices as well. Due to these combined challenges, Michael and his co-worker Rebecca have raised concerns over a recent decline in business of about 25 to 30 percent during the months of March and April.
Patricia says that having a small business is a cautious investment, but operating one of the last independently owned camera shops in Rhode Island is not something she actively thinks about in her daily work. During the pandemic, people became more aware of the importance of supporting small businesses, but the support could only extend to online businesses. According to Entrepreneurship for All, a nonprofit organization dedicated to helping independent businesses grow, over 38 percent of small businesses in Rhode Island have closed since 2020. Patricia confirms that although Providence is rich in small businesses, many new ones quickly close only after a couple years. She says that she has seen many “For Rent” signs pop up on Hope and many closures over the past five years. Patricia admits that it is harder to open a small business today than it was years ago because everything has shifted online.
Patricia introduced an annual photography contest to Pawtucket Public Schools: “One classroom became two classrooms, became four classrooms, and eventually, the entire grade in all of the schools.” These students were introduced to photography for the first time—some students had no prior idea what a camera was. Fifth graders, and the broader Pawtucket community no matter the age, have the opportunity to submit their photos to the Pawtucket photo contest every year. “I find ways to keep photography fun,” Patricia remarks, “It brings pleasure to people.”
To Michael, being on Hope feels like being part of a community. He receives many regulars who spread the word about his business, accounting for a lack of advertisements. He sometimes uses a trust system where a customer can pay for an expensive frame days after receiving it. Both Michael and Rebecca believe that the businesses’ long establishments in Providence, as well as long-term clients and customers, can carry them past these difficult times.
Patricia feels supported by the Providence community and appreciates the Merchant’s Association, a community organization dedicated to representing small and independent businesses on Hope.
“If you don’t shop here, we’re not going to be here,” says Patricia Zacks. In over 35 years of business, Patricia has fostered a loyal customer base. With an unpredictable future in the hands of a malevolent administration, Patricia still finds hope and joy in what she does. Patricia admits that these are scary times and there is a tension that looms in the air. People shop for greeting cards to mourn or stay connected with family and friends.
But despite this, she stays positive and continues to do what she does. Patricia Zacks and The Camera Werks make a substantial contribution to keeping art and community alive in Rhode Island.