The (Not-So) Secret Room: Art, Jewelry and More

What used to be home to a hat store is now under the care of Mary Joyner. The little shop is filled with jewelry, artwork, books and unusual gifts. It is located just to the left of the front entrance at the Peninsula Inn and Spa.

Joyner is from Madison, Wisc. She and her husband decided to move to Gulfport after visiting a few years ago. “We just fell in love with it,” said Joyner.

In Wisconsin, Joyner ran a coffee shop that became a second home to her. She says for this particular phase in her life, Gulfport takes the cake.

“Within two weeks of being here, it felt like home,” said Joyner.

The Secret Room is a tiny, but “perfect” space for what Joyner had in mind for her business. Joyner has always been her own boss and likes the idea of the shop’s products and hours on her terms.

The cozy little store is brightly painted, and seems to have something to please for just about everyone. Some of the gifts are so inviting that visitors may want to treat themselves. Nothing is too expensive either. Shoppers are sure to be in a better mood for visiting The Secret Room.

Joyner likes to stay personal when it comes to the products and works that she carries. “My goal is to keep at least 60 percent of the shop either my stuff or an artist I know,” she said. Joyner has friends who send her their artwork from all over the U.S. to be put up for sale in The Secret Room.

Along with keeping her friends and fellow artists in mind, Joyner also takes into consideration the budget of her customers. “I’m the kind of artist that wants my work to be affordable to people,” she said. “A lot of times when I’m creating, I will look long and hard to find something I can use that’s attainable.”

Sometimes an artist may feel pressured to provide a specific piece when doing so on command. For Joyner, part of the pleasure of this business is the ability to make whatever she wants, whenever she wants. “I enjoy having the freedom to create what I feel like creating at that particular time,” Joyner explained.

Hours of operation are Tuesday through Saturday, roughly from about 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. On special occasions or event days, Joyner says that she will most likely open her doors to the public.