WASHTENAW COUNTY, MI — Looking to shop local? A new boutique in Scio Township is planning to be a one-stop shop just for that.
Misty Handmade Boutique & Crystals opened its doors on Saturday, Jan. 7, and is bringing over 45 local vendors under one roof. The boutique features a variety of products like jewelry, candles, body care items, clothing, home décor and more.
The shop at 299 N Zeeb Rd. is carrying products made by local artists from Ypsilanti, Dexter, Saline, Milan and from other areas as well.
“If someone makes a trip out (to the boutique) they know they’re going for quality, well-made items that people would want,” Janet Sweet, one of the vendors, said. “It’s not a resale type thing .. . it’s going to be top-notch handmade items.”
Misty Handmade Boutique & Crystals at 299 N. Zeeb Rd.
Sweet and Jennifer Thurman run Krafty Kreationz by J & J, which is one of the vendors in the boutique right now. The pair primarily make 3D paper art and shadow boxes, but also have made other products like coffee mugs and welcome signs.
The Ypsilanti-based Krafty Kreationz got its start last year, and decided it wanted a spot in Misty Handmade Boutique & Crystals. Sweet said the pair have already received sales from the store, and that people have been reaching out to the crafts about their products .
“It’s already generating a lot more interest and getting our name out to people that might not go to craft shows or people that might just be stopping because they ate dinner next door,” Sweet said. “The possibility of where it could go is really exciting.”
The crafting duo both have full-time jobs outside of Krafty Kreationz, so having a spot where their products are available all the time is important for the business, Sweet said.
Chris Blackford also carries products that he makes with tYpsi Woodworking in the boutique. The Ypsilanti-based company creates a variety of accessories for home bars along with wall art, equipment that might be used to make craft cocktails, cutting boards and more.
Blackford started tYpsi at the start of 2020 and said it can be challenging for small businesses to get new customers. Despite his company’s online presence and website, he was looking for a different way to get his name out there.
“I think for a lot of us (vendors), outside of artisan craft shows, we don’t get much exposure,” he said. “It’s kind of hard to spread the word so what (the boutique) is providing us, other than an opportunity to sell to people year round, … (is) exposure.”
Currently there is room for more vendors to join the boutique. Any interested artisans that are hoping to feature their work in the shop must apply for a spot, and can do so by either visiting the shop or reaching out online.
As far as the operations of the boutique, set hours are still being determined — however, anyone interested can keep up to date through the shop’s Facebook page.
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