Cassopolis business settles into new home
Published 8:05 am Thursday, August 15, 2019
CASSOPOLIS — According to Berrien Center resident Deb Conley, there is room and space for an art community in Cassopolis to grow — and she believes her own business’ growth is proof of that.
After roughly six months of business, downtown Cassopolis art store, Artisan Shoppe, moved across the street to its new location at 149 S. Broadway St., Cassopolis, earlier this summer. Since moving into the new space, owner Conley said she has seen her business grow and the community react positively.
“This has been a great experience,” she said.
Conley originally opened her store Dec. 1, 2018, next to Fifth Third Bank on Broadway Street. Over time, the store, which sells art and handcrafted items such as home décor, body care items and more made by area artisans, has grown, Conley said. Initially, her store housed enough space to feature eight to 12 artisans. In her new location, Conley houses 19 artists within a 40-mile radius.
“Everything here is handcrafted,” Conley said. “Nothing is mass-produced. … I have workers and painters and sign makers and photographers and petal art and pottery and soap and things that are hard to describe. We have something for everyone.”
Conley said she is happy with her new location not only because it offers space for more artisans, but because it allows her to offer art classes to the community. Currently offering an average of one to two classes per month, a list of classes can be found on the front door of Artisan Shoppe or online at artisanshoppe.net.
Now that she has settled into her new location, Conley said she believes Cassopolis was the right fit for her business.
“Cass has a cute and undeveloped downtown. It really seemed like a natural fit for a new business,” she said. “Cass just looks like it can be an art community.”
As she continues to grow her business, Conley said she hopes to see even more of an art community grow in Cassopolis.
“My favorite part of this job is building relationships with artists and the customers that come in,” she said. “I hope to maintain a very long-term business here in Cassopolis and be a part of the new growth that is happening here.”