Walking into the South Shore Shabby Shack is like stepping back in time.
Since opening the business a little more than a year ago as a venue for artisans and collectors to show off and sell their original creations, owners Jill and Dallas Smith — Riverview residents from several generations back — have added so many things it’s almost impossible to describe the boutique in words.
They call it “Antique to boutique and very unique,” and there isn’t really another way to describe it.
Vendor spaces run from a $25 curio stand to 200-foot spaces that rent monthly for $225.
“Most of our artisans use about 100 square feet, at $100,” Jill explained. “We are a ‘shop of shops,’ and they get the space size they need to show off whatever it is they have.”
About seven months ago, they added “My Gypsy Soul,” which has vintage clothing for women and teens. At that time, they also added a changing room. What is Gypsy Boutique? Well, if you’re a baby boomer, it isn’t hard to recognize the “hippie peace symbol styles” of flowing skirts and draped tops and purses with fringe hanging from the sides.
It’s full of bo-ho hippie, beach-coast, romantic, lacy-gauzy and retro styles found in high-end stores like Nieman Marcus.
“The clothing section has gone over so well, we’ve had to double the space for it in just seven months,” said Jill. “The clothing is there on consignment, and all other items are for sale.”
Although it would be impossible to list all the unique items available in the store, a few include: A wine rack made from an old guitar; tableware made from shells and basket weave; 18 kinds of special local honey blended especially for people with allergies; and a new line of handmade jewelry.
“We’re expecting a new vendor soon with all kinds of Western things, like purses made from the tops of cowboy boots, cowhide — amazing things,” Jill said.
Jill does theme painting on furniture and Dallas works with wood, and they say they are amazed at the different kinds of talent in the area.
“Repurposing” is a word they use a lot at Shabby Shack. As examples, there are tables made from old wood and glass doors; a sign made from a guitar case; decorative multi-painted flower arrangements from plastic bottles; and all kinds of “knick-knacks” from used plastic, glass, and other materials.
Jill has a background in managing stores at malls, and works with Dallas on the plan and layout of the booths. They have been married 14 years and together have four grown children.
“We thought this space-sharing idea would give local craftspeople and artisans a chance to show and sell their creations,” Dallas added.
They now have 28 vendors but say they can take a few more. Potential vendors must fill out an application and submit photographs of their products as well as have a meeting with the Smiths before being accepted.
Recently they have added dōTERRA Essential Oils and Beleave Teas, a local gourmet loose-leaf tea company.
Besides the shop, they have what they call “South Shore’s Vintage Flea” the first Friday of each month from 4 to 8 p.m., October through March, and have started some painting classes with three different art instructors. Some instructors teach furniture painting, others painting on glass and/or canvas.
“In the near future, we plan to add some children’s arts and crafts classes, too,” Jill said, like “Mommy and Me” and “Pint-Size Picasso.”
Reservations for small, adult parties and teas may also be made for the new space in the front of the store that has been converted into “café style.”
For more information, email the1marketplace@aol.com, call 813-765-6708 or visit 118A Flamingo Drive in Apollo Beach.