Finally! A Shop that Brings Local Art & Crafts to Portage County

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Most of us have heard of or perhaps even know a ‘starving artist.’ These are people who sacrifice material well-being in order to focus on their artwork. Why? Simply because they love what they do.

Brittany Christmas is trying to change that for the artsy folk in Portage County. She has opened The White Rabbit, a consignment shop in Ravenna that caters to the local crafters of beautiful handmade articles and artists who want to share their unique expressions through a variety of media. What has been the result? “I had no idea the response would be this great,” says Brittany. “I spent a lot of time before this researching the area for a store like mine, but didn’t have much success. Throughout the last few months, I’ve been told by countless new consignors that they had been having the same problem. People have been very forth coming and I’ve had the opportunity to meet some truly talented individuals.”

In early 2012, Brittany had opened an online shop on Etsy, the largest handmade venue in the world with over one million individual shops and 30 million members, to sell her own sewing and crochet items. She also started doing craft shows. “I started to look for physical stores to sell my work. That’s when I realized that there weren’t that many local places, and a lot of them either charged a very high rental fee, a very high commission or, in some cases, both. I found that other people were having this same problem. I wanted to give people a nice environment where they could display and sell their work and actually see something back for their hard work.”

That’s when The White Rabbit hopped onto the scene.

Having lived in Portage County most of her life, both Brittany and her husband David graduated from Kent State and decided to stay in the community. “It seemed like Portage County would make a great home for The White Rabbit because it’s always been a great home for us. I think it’s a wonderful community with good people,’ she says. They own two cute, mostly white fluffy rabbits that are a big part of their lives, and Brittany wanted to include them in the venture in some way. Hence the name – The White Rabbit.

“People seem excited because it’s something different,” says Brittany. “I have received some truly great work, but I would love to have more!” Most of the items range between $10 – $30, but there are some pieces that are higher and even lower than the $10 – $30 range.

If you’re a local crafter or artist who would like to become of part of this growing shop, contact Brittany about how the consignment process works. “Typically, we just talk over what types of work they’re interested in selling, I let them look at a consignment agreement that outlines the terms, and if we decide to proceed, they just bring their work in and we take care of everything from there.”

Pretty easy! With holidays upon us, this could be your best opportunity yet for getting your name and work exposed to the public.

Every business owner has their favorite and not-so-favorite aspects associated with ownership.

“Overall it’s been a very gratifying experience. We’ve had such an amazing group of artists and crafters come aboard in the last few months. They’ve made the store into a beautiful outlet of creativity. It’s really something I’m proud to be a part of.

“In turn, it makes me very happy to see the shoppers come in and find things they love. It’s great knowing the artists and knowing a particular story behind a piece of work and then seeing that same piece purchased by someone who is equally excited. It’s like a whole process that I have the pleasure of being a part of.”

The overall responsibility and day to day operations can be a grind for any business, especially a new one. “It’s tough being a new business. It’s an up hill battle getting your name out to the public and getting them to give you a chance. It’s something you just have to be constantly aware of,” Brittany shares. But she is very encouraged at the interest and growth she has experienced thus far and has hopes of building the reputation of The White Rabbit into a specialty shop where people in and around Portage County will come knowing they will find an ever-changing inventory of unique handmade offerings.

My own visit was far more than what I expected for a new shop. I was greeted by the pleasant aroma created by the numerous scented candles offered, some of which ended up on the counter. I was instantly drawn to the very colorful flowing artwork of Lyndse Rae Faba. Then, with a new baby, and first girl in the family, I had to purchase a sweet headband made by The Madhatter. Oh – and my cat Chubbs must have a treat too! Can’t go home without a new mew toy!

Brittany is charming. There is nothing not to like about her! She exudes a genuine spirit, is very friendly, and is obviously as taken in by her consignors’ works as her customers are. A real delight.

These photos are samples I took during my visit. Whether they will still be there when you go, I cannot say. But I do know you will find something different, something totally unique, and ALL created by the local artists and crafters of Portage County. Visit her Facebook page often for what’s new.

I highly recommend you hop on over to The White Rabbit to discover the local talent in your community on display! And if you’re an artist or maker of handmade goods – then you must visit!

***Exclusive for Portage News Readers***
Brittany is offering a 10% discount to anyone who mentions the feature!