ST. MARYS — An artistic husband-and-wife team have collaborated to open an artisan/makers market showcasing handmade items by artists in Elk County and surrounding areas.
The grand opening for Calypso & Company at 724 Washington St., suite 2, will be held from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. on Saturday, Oct. 14.
The idea is to promote shopping small and supporting local, while “keeping creative dreams alive.”
Owners Miranda and Devin Whiteman said they feel something like this is needed in the community to “give exposure to all of the talented people” the area has to offer.
Shown is Calypso & Company, a new artisan market on Washington Street in St. Marys.
Calypso & Co. building
Miranda said she has always loved fashion, and had the desire to own her own fashion boutique in Manhattan, New York. But, she said, the reality of going to school in New York City just “wasn’t in the cards” for her at that time in her life.
“I have always dreamed big, so it had taken me a few years of trying new jobs and different hobbies, until I finally found my niche after having our first-born son. I was able to be a stay-at-home mom, and eventually found the process of sublimation as a fun little hobby,” she said.
The Whitemans sat down one day, she said, and decided to make their dreams a reality by both starting their own businesses. Devin, his welding and fabrication shop – Hot Iron Metalworks – and Miranda, her craft business – Calypso Creek Designs.
“This gave us both the freedom to create items that we enjoy,” she said.
Sublimation, which is a “digital printing process that uses heat and pressure to transfer dye onto different materials,” according to www.printful.com, was Miranda’s perfect start in creating apparel, she said.
“From there, I branched out to doing more sublimation items that weren’t solely apparel.”
And, the Whitemans collaborated with one another to create unique laser-engraved items.
“Devin could then focus on fabricating and refinishing home decor pieces,” she explained.
The market will offer in-store and Facebook Live sales, as well as wine tasting with Happy Hour Winery, customizable gifts and pop-up events in the store throughout the year, they said. They also plan to host makers market events on the property starting in 2024.
Calypso & Company is currently showcasing 20-plus “unique and eclectic vendors,” and is searching for more. Artisans are juried by submitting photos and descriptions of their work. Some examples include handmade jewelry, pottery, crystals, handmade cards and more, all crafted by artisans in the Elk County area, the Calypso & Company Facebook page says.
Lodin’s Gems & Minerals, of Brockway, is one of the many vendors showcased at Calypso & Company artisan market in St. Marys.
Lodin’s Gems and Minerals
Those who have stopped in to see the progress of the Washington Street building renovations have said “This is exactly what the St. Marys area needs,” the Whitemans noted.
This is a great opportunity to show support for local artists, and provide them with a platform to showcase their talents.
“People are tired of purchasing online and from big-box stores,” she said. “They are also very excited to have a place to buy gifts that are handmade and unique.”
The Whitemans said they will be hosting a soft opening for some family and close friends Oct. 11-13, prior to the grand opening on Saturday, which will feature a ribbon-cutting ceremony, wine tastings and giveaways and food provided by Pfaff’s Market and Brandy Camp Creamery.
Visit Calypso & Company on Facebook. For more information, call 814-594-7624 or email calypsogifts@gmail.com.
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