When Carol (CeeCee) Wilson opened the Last Tagine in Paris, LLC last year, she was expecting to move into a larger space she is having renovated just up the street.

That renovation is still under way, but Wilson felt the need to expand even before its completion.

So Last Tagine in Paris has a new, expanded location at 142 S. Broadway, a space she shares with Studio 142, Kimberly Lee Brown and her youth mentoring program Destined For Greatness (D4G).

“It is the perfect symbiosis, as Last Tagine in Paris LLC’s core is about working with local artisans through the four Ms — The Mission, Messsage, Method and Members — to achieve the same outcome as fair trade does in developing countries, allowing them to make a living and a life doing what they love,” Wilson said. “Destined For Greatness is about working with youth between the ages of 10 and 21 regardless of race, religious beliefs or social status to empower them to develop their gifts, talents, self-esteem and strengths in order to become a more influential voice in our community.”

Wilson said the new space allows her to continue to grow the amount of products available in the former location.

“This larger footprint, much bigger than the little space I started with down the street in August, allows for bringing on board more artisans, more merchandise and the creation of putting together a new business paradigm,” she said. “Typically, artisans work as part of a co-op or do a consignment arrangement but have fees and percentages to pay. I wanted to do something different, sort of like fair trade squared. I believe in fair trade practices and my own imported products are for the most part fair trade, sustainable, organic or the vendors practice these principles.

“I wanted to create opportunity for American artists, most local, to receive proper compensation for their craft; to be supported and valued while they are alive. In exchange for time doing tasks to make Last Tagine in Paris run like a well-oiled machine, artisans have no fees and keep 100 percent of the sale of their work, I also offer a straight consignment for those who wish only to sell and not do the exchange, but my mission is to change the perception that it is somehow romantic or necessary to be a starving artist.”

Wilson describes Last Tagine in Paris as “magical, mysterious, fun and decadent.”

Among the things you will find there are luxurious bath and beauty products ranging from locally handcrafted soap to vinotherapy products from California’s wine county. There is hand-rolled incense from India and gourmet soy candles by Je T’aime Fragrance as well as sea salts from around the world to help stock your pantry.

Wilson also carries a full array of mustards, jams and oils from France, as well as gluten free organic spices from the United States.

There also a wide variety of coffees from Maple City Roasters.

Wilson, who is the founder of Cass Can, notes that she is not the only local business in Cassopolis that deserve community support.

“I would also like to mention that we have some other really wonderful shops in Cassopolis, including right by me, Village Floral with its local lake souvenirs and décor; toward Diamond Lake you can find Dussel’s Greenhouse and Farm Market with fun gifts and foods; Douglas R. Wyant Antiques; as well as Patt Walker Dresser’s new store — Bittersweet Off Broadway offering vintage, antique and retro items.”

Last Tagine in Paris will be open beginning March 8 with spring hours of Thursday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

For more information, you can call Wilson at (269) 228-6070 or check out her website at www.lasttagineinparis.com for online shopping beginning in mid-March. You can also find her on Facebook.