OTTUMWA —
At Elegance by Design, shoppers can find a great gift, decorate their home and support local artists all in one shopping trip.
Owner Regenia Bradley began making jewelry as a home-based business five years ago. The outlets for selling were limited, and she was often disappointed in the results of craft shows and home parties.
Realizing other artists were having the same concerns, she opened Elegance by Design at 635 E. Pennsylvania Ave. as a place to gather all of these talented people together.
“I found a few local artists whose work I love and invited them to join me,” Bradley explained. “I’m not consigning. I know the struggle local artists can go through, so this is my opportunity to support them and give them an outlet.”
Bradley has already expanded the different lines of gifts that the shop carries since it opened on Aug. 14. The variety of artists showcased in the shop lend their own special talents to make every corner something unique.
There are jewelry designers working in different mediums with their creations for sale. There is also a space set up where shoppers can buy their own beads and even work on a project right in the store.
“There are lots of talented people in this world. This is a great opportunity to help them out, too,” she said.
Some of the artists make candles, concrete decorations and mosaic mirrors. Handmade cards are lined up on one rack, and a rainbow of scarves is scattered around the shop. With the changing seasons, there is fall decor with Christmas treasures making an appearance.
The kids are included, too, with handmade bows and tiny jewelry just for them. Bradley also has a line of stuffed animals with story books and a collection of snuggle blankets with animals to snuggle.
“They would be perfect for someone going out to visit a child at the hospital,” she said.
A favorite of men and women alike, there is a wide assortment of homemade salsa, dips and cookbooks for the gourmet in the family. There is pasta in several fun shapes including Hawkeyes, Cyclones, turkeys and fall themes. Bradley also has several cookbooks available to learn how to use the ingredients she carries.
And what most shoppers won’t expect is a massage therapy spa right in the store. Essential Massage & Spa shares the space with Elegance by Design. Bradley says the crossover customers have been excited - those who just wanted a massage are doing their Christmas shopping, and some shoppers are now getting routine massages from one of the four experts.
“I can’t guess what the public wants, but hopefully everyone who walks in will find something they love,” Bradley said.
Elegance by Design will hold its holiday open house from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Dec. 1.
Elegance by Design
635 E. Pennsylvania Ave.
777-0700
Monday through Saturday 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
Visit Elegance by Design on Facebook
Local News
Related Photos
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Regenia Bradley of Elegance by Design has created a showcase of local artists and their talent. Laura Carrell/The Courier
November 12, 2012
Elegance by Design gift shop offers unique treasures
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