Jewelry as Art Sold at Artisans Nest in Skippack

Perkiomen Valley Patch: When did you open your business?

Artisans Nest: Artisans Nest opened in November 2007 in the chicken coop in front of Pennsylvania Traditions. In March of 2009 we moved into where we are now, the space behind Le Butler’s Pantry.

PVP: Who is your ideal client or customer?

AN: My ideal customer is someone who appreciates items that are hand-made by artists...what is unique and unusual instead of the ordinary or more commercial.

PVP: What makes your business unique from others in your field?

AN: What makes me unique, as in any shop, is my point of view. Everyone sees things differently and appreciates different things. I knew when I decided to start my own business there was a direction I wanted to go in, and that was affordable art...fill my space with mostly jewelry in the beginning but to continue to evolve and sell the things I love. Starting my business at a time when the economy was struggling wasn’t easy but we are still here thanks to loyal customers who enjoy coming to Artisans Nest.

PVP: What made you decide to open a business?

AN: I had thought about having my own business for a very long time but was afraid. Then one day my sister and I spent the day shopping in town. We went into Adornment, which at the time was in the chicken coop. Trish mentioned to my sister that she was moving into a bigger space. Immediately my mind started thinking.....a small space but a great place to start. Within 2 weeks I signed my lease thanks to the encouragement and support of my boyfriend and my family. It was hard in the beginning. I made mistakes, still do, but with every year things have gotten a little easier. I’ve never regretted my decision and I love to come to work in the morning. How many people get to say that. On top of that I’ve got great customers who I enjoy seeing and getting to know.

PVP: What’s your most popular item?

AN: My biggest seller is Trollbeads a bead line from Denmark that has been around for about thirty six years. It’s a family run company that does beautiful silver, gold, glass and stone beads and much more. Having a recognized name helped in the beginning. Local artist Sherry Tinsman is also an important line of jewelry for me. She’s local, she does wonderful work in silver and has been a part of Artisans Nest since the beginning. My customers know I’ll always have a large selection of her work to choose from.

PVP: What makes your community special?

AN: What I like about Skippack is that it is a place where you get to know your neighbors and you look out for each other, and as I already stated I love getting to know my customers. I’ve worked in retail in one form or another for many years but never had this type of experience.

PVP: Where can customers find your specials?

AN: If we are having a sale or promoting a Trollbeads Trunk Show or showing what’s just come in, we have found that our emails and facebook have been valuable tools. We do a lot of picture posting and so many people come in and tell us how much they enjoy our posts. We enjoy it too. Artisans Nest hours are Tuesday – Saturday 10am – 5pm and Sunday 11am – 5pm. Learn more on at artisansnest.com or Facebook at facebook.com/artisansnest