Business Spotlight

by Loren Pratt

Handmade for the Holidays

Garage Door Studio is a go-to for creative gifting

TIRED OF GIVING mass-produced items from big-box stores? When you want to give or do something special, Garage Door Studio has the answer for on-trend, creative gifts and experiences. A step inside the studio at the historic Tudor Village of Avondale Estates is an experience itself, with a treasure trove of handmade items created locally. Best-sellers include pillows and tea towels from Southern Charm Textiles, unique jewelry by Whole Creative, Himalayan candles, greeting cards and prints.

By selling wares from over 70 local artists, owners Jen Singh and Rachel Herzog have carefully curated a collection of makers that complement each other in a modern and eclectic style. Artists themselves, Jen and Rachel participated in the arts and crafts circuit for years before opening their brick and mortar store. With Jen’s background in illustration and fine art and Rachel’s love of textiles and DIY projects, these shop owners are a dynamic duo inherently drawn to the local art community.

“We take great satisfaction in nurturing emerging artists’ careers,” says Jen. She explains the duo’s number-one rule for business is “building a strong sense of community with our artists. We believe in open and honest dialogue while supporting each other in this journey of creating.” Garage Door Studio supports local arts beyond selling goods. They also offer workshops and parties catering to a variety of interests and ages. Kid projects include building fairy houses, drawing charcoal animals and making alcohol ink coasters. Adult offerings include watercolor painting, creating a succulent terrarium and making an essential oil scrub.

 

 

 

For the holidays, Rachel recommends gifting the Manifesting Your Dreams workshop “where participants creatively visualize and imagine their dreams into reality” as guided by Carissa Kubitz of Happy Soul Things. This workshop is a thoughtful gift alone or can be paired with a hand-bound journal filled with archival sketchbook paper by Lily Smith Studio. Jen and Rachel say they love offering experiences that “tap into people’s creativity while also focusing on self-improvement and spiritual journeying elements.” They both go as far to say art “will ultimately save the world.” It can start by saving your holiday shopping list.

 

 

The hyper-local focus at Garage Door Studio extends beyond the artists featured to the surrounding community. They will participate on Saturday, December 7, in Avondale’s Winter Wanderland event, a day filled with holiday character experiences, shop specials, treats and carolers.