Locally Curated opened at 19 Cascade Street, Kennewick in February and has morphed into a harmony of services and products by local artists.

[blockquote quote="So far, it has been satisfying to see all the wonderfully talented people in the Tri-Cities and provide a space to display their wares or do their work." source="Rachel Kronberg, owner of Libras Botanicals" align="right" max_width="300px"]

“We’d been talking about doing something similar to this shop for quite some time, because we both have our own small businesses we wanted to do our work from,” said Rachel Kronberg, owner of Libras Botanicals. “We began looking for places that would fit our needs.”

After finding the location, they spent some time preparing it for opening. “We spent several weeks dressing the place up more with help from our very talented husbands as well,” Kronberg said. She and Jessica Hendrickson, who owns Jessica Hendrickson Photography, have been friends for years and as entrepreneurs, both needed a “home base.” Besides the services offered by the owners, 16 local artists’ products are showcased and sold at the shop. Locally Curated features items – from home décor, jewelry, clothing, pottery, and art – that all crafted in the Tri-Cities.

“As we were planning, we realized there are many local small businesses that can’t afford to take on a place of their own,” Kronberg said. “We charge a small monthly fee in exchange for space in the store and on the website. In essence, we are a local co-op. Shoppers can browse online and pick up in the store or purchase online and have their items shipped.”

Vendors include glass artist Alice Beckstrom, Deb’s Quilting Tyme (dish towels, blankets and more), Badger Canyon grape juice and wine, Ed’s Backyard Honey, Judie Beck Pottery, Katie Woodford artwork, Laverne by Krista Paulson, Little Dipper Dairy, Moonlight Welder, Not Too Shabby, Paula Skare’s natural gemstone jewelry, Relic Refinery, Stop Don’t Stop, Three Apple Designs, Timeless Talismans, Treasures, Trinkets & Fairydust, West for Gold and Winston Haycock art.

“Interest from vendors has exceeded what we expected. The number of vendors is pretty steady at the moment as we work out where to put everyone! We quickly grew from just a couple of vendors to this number,” Kronberg said. “We’d love to add some sort of textile products next.”

In addition, the Curated spa features facial treatments, massage and waxing services. Kronberg makes all of the organic skin care and beauty products, which are used by two estheticians, a massage therapist and hair stylists. She also offers soap-making and other classes monthly. Libras Botanicals also sells its sea spray, soaps, balms, face care sets, baby care packages, moustache wax, aftershave, lip balm and cleansers at the store. Hendrickson’s photography business offers services for milestone photos, family photo shoots, newborn sessions, special events packages, professional headshots, and senior pictures.

“All the service providers operate independently. We think of it as a spa with a gift shop attached,” said Kronberg said. The women are currently planning more classes, which would most likely be led by their vendors. Within Locally Curated, many of the responsibilities are split. Hendrickson maintains product photos and inventory. Kronberg is responsible for the website work and billing, and her husband lends a hand by making décor ideas come to fruition. Being a small business has its challenges said Kronberg. “As a very small business with a limited budget, it’s difficult to get the word out to enough people. Some areas are also harder to operate in,” she said. An advantage, however, is the niche market.

“For us, buying locally seems to be on the rise,” Kronberg said. “So far, it has been satisfying to see all the wonderfully talented people in the Tri-Cities and provide a space to display their wares or do their work.” As far as what the future holds, Kronberg says they’ll move onward and upward. “In the short-term, we’d like to continue working on our space and make it the best possible fit for all of us. In the long-term, we want to offer more classes and advertise the spa business more,” she said.

Locally Curated is at 19 Cascade Street, Kennewick. The hours are noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday. Closing times may be adjusted as the holidays near. Call them at 509-586-1371 or visit the website at www.locally-curated.com. Vendor applications are on the website.