entrepreneur.

The Attic is a mini-mall, modelled along the open-office plan, that is a combination of ten separate business interests selling a variety of products including security systems, clothing, fragrance oils and more, all on 2,370 square feet squeezed between the Flying Chef beer garden, the Washington Mall alleyway and the Kenwood Club apartment complex in the Gibbons Company building.

It offers an opportunity for small businessmen and women, who may not have been able to afford city rates, to operate a shop in Hamilton at more reasonable rates.

It all began when Christian couple Sheena and Rene Notter, with partners Mr.

Walter Correia, Ms Michelle Benevides and Ms Sue Wallington, opened their restaurant and catering business, Genesis, last May. They brought St. David's Island cuisine like shark and other such East End delicacies to the city through Sheena's father, Mr. Harry Nelson Fox, popularly known as "Black Wolf''.

Swiss-born Mr. Notter previously worked as a chef in restaurants in Europe and in Bermuda. He first worked at Hotel Baeren, close to Basel, Switzerland, where the wealthy would arrive by helicopter to sample his cooking.

The couple's idea for a restaurant was one free from alcohol and tobacco, but would serve the non-alcoholic beer and wine.

When space became available next door, once the home of the Christian Book Store, the couple upon the idea for an arcade of small shops, now home to ten different enterprises, including an office Mrs. Notter uses to head Bermuda's chapter of World Vision.

She is the Bermuda co-ordinator for the registered Christian charity that caters to the hungry children of the world.

"She was operating World Vision from our home,'' said Mr. Notter. "There was no living space.'' Mrs. Notter said, "The Attic was supposed to be a place for arts and crafts.

But the people behind that business pulled out. The Chamber of Commerce was very helpful in supplying other names of entrepreneurs, and we officially opened in February.

"We still have some work to do in beautifying the entrance. And,there's going to be a mini-plant nursery here soon.

"Rene and I are opening our own little shop, called The Alabaster, which will sell precious items such as antiques, paintings, shark oil and other things.'' The Genesis restaurant will always have special significance for the Notters.

It is in the room where they met seven years ago.

"We could have never thought on that day that we would be married and operating a business here,'' laughed Rene. "We also had our wedding reception here.'' Among the Attic's businesses is Earrings and Things, operated by Mrs. Debbie Wade, who makes jewellery.

Sheena recalled, "I bought some crystal earrings and a necklace from her.

They are beautiful and they didn't cost me an arm and a leg. Her brother, Mr.

Craig Jones, shares her shop. He makes and sells cedar items.'' Mr. Dilton Lightbourne operates Do-It-Yourself-Security, and sells security products, such as alarms, closed circuit monitors, telephones and other things.

Measure with Pleasure is owned by Ms Maxine Smith, who imports unusual fabrics and material and shoes.

Mr.

Fenwick Butterfield has a business called The People's Choice. He blends oils for cosmetic and medicinal purposes, and could tailor-design a fragrance for customers.

Mr. and Mrs. Hank Armstrong's Papillon has men's and women's accessories in silks and cotton.

Imported outfits from Africa can be found at Mr. Marco Montesarlo's business called Zimbabaloo. There are tops, pants, hats and other items.

Ms Marie Jackson sells cosmetics, wigs, toupees and other things related to hair in her company, Head To Toe.

Cherina's Fashions, owned by Ms Cheryl Darrell, specialises in clothing for large and petite people.

Mr. Calvin Vincent has Can Ewe Vibe, and makes his own patch hats, bags and vests. They are all one of a kind items.

And Compact Discounts, is just about to be opened as a branch from the Court Street music store.

This mini-version of a European open market seems to be catching on fast.

The Notters said they already have a waiting list of people who would like to open their own small businesses at The Attic.

ATTIC DWELLERS -- From left, Mr. Dilton Lightbourne of Do-It-Yourself Security, Ms Jennifer Darrell of Cherina's Fashion, Sheena and Rene Notter and Mr. Walter Correia of the Genesis Restaurant.