A lifelong Florida resident who recently relocated to North Lima is welcoming customers looking to buy one-of-a-kind gifts and creations for the holiday season.
Jessica Hess is the owner and creator behind Magnolias Creative Cottage, one of the area’s newest creative small businesses.
The boutique is located at 9215 Market St. in North Lima, where Hess specializes in making wreaths, cemetery arrangement pieces and seasonal décor.
“This has been a lifelong dream of mine, and I’ve been crafting for 30 years,” she said. “I started out making greeting cards, then gift baskets. I’ve done a lot of crafting. Right now, I’m making cemetery wreaths, arrangements and most recently added saddles.”
Hess opened the boutique in October and will be honored with an official ribbon-cutting at 10 a.m. on Nov. 25 with The Youngstown/Warren Regional Chamber.
“I recently lost both of my parents, and decided that life is too short. I am going to go for it,” she said. “We are incredibly grateful for the support and recognition from our Chamber of Commerce. This little cottage has been built from passion, creativity and heart.”
The ribbon-cutting ceremony will include a walk-through of the boutique, light refreshments and an exclusive preview of Hess’ holiday items and handmade decorations.
“We’re excited to welcome the community, share our vision and celebrate this new chapter together,” Hess said. “Everybody that comes in the store has very nice things to say. They love the atmosphere and the feel. Another product that I have been doing for over 25 years is called a Hostess Towel Cake, which are quick, simple gifts.”
When building commissioned pieces, Hess said customers can choose which greenery, ribbons and flowers they’d like included in their wreaths.
“It’s something very near and dear to [people’s] hearts to make sure that [their loved ones’] final resting places are decorated for the holidays, so there’s a niche for it,” Hess said.
Shop for holiday gifts online or by visiting the boutique from 10 a.m. - 6 p.m. on Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday, and from 11 a.m. - 4 p.m. on Sunday in North Lima.
“This is the kind of small business that makes a community feel special,” a Chamber representative shared. “Magnolias Creative Cottage brings creativity, craftsmanship, and joy into the neighborhood. We are happy to celebrate their official opening.”