KEYSTONE HEIGHTS – A new retail shop called the Artisan Shoppe will open its doors on March 1.

It will be open Monday through Saturday from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. and have various affordable high-end quality products made by local vendors. Handmade body care products, gemstone jewelry, resin accessories and floral arrangements are some of the many items the shop will feature.

The shop will have art classes where individuals can craft various art forms like mixed media art and alcohol ink art. However, the shop will not only sell handmade art, but it also will have select antiques, refinished furniture and décor. The Artisan Shoppe plans to do customized items such as tumblers, cups, wreaths, birthday banners and redo furniture for customers.

“It’s a unique shopping experience in a charming store,” Betsy Rosander, one of the co-owners, said.

The idea to start a shop resulted from a social media platform called the Nextdoor App. Rosander and her friends Tammy Lee, Brandy Richardson, Lisa Thwing and Darlene Godwin first met through the app. They met in person at Keystone Inn after discovering a shared passion for artistry.

“It was amazing. It was like we found each other. We found our people,” Rosander said. After the success of the initial meeting, the group continued to grow closer as friends and eventually began talking about opening a shop where they could sell their crafts. Within a year, everything fell into place for the group’s new shop the Artisan Shoppe. “It was just like dominoes falling into place,” Richardson said.

Although the Artisan Shoppe won’t be open until next Wednesday, the group looks forward to its future success and growth. They look forward to providing antique auctioning at the shop in the future. They are considering offering children’s programs such as an after-school program and an art camp in the summer. Also, they look forward to bringing positivity to people’s lives as they meet the community. “We’re very excited. We can’t wait to meet people from the community and be a source of light and positivity.” Rosander said.

To learn more about the Artisan Shoppe, visit www.theartisanshoppefl.com/.