Jan. 24, 2019

A Brandon woman who makes industrial-style lighting fixtures and custom furniture has turned part of her workshop into a retail space for other makers.

Lisa Hokenstad started LH Design in her garage a couple of years ago.

“I had taken over the entire three-stall garage, and my husband said, ‘You need to be on your way.’”

Hokenstad moved into a shop building at 1320 E. Cedar St. in September and opened the retail space earlier this month because she wanted to have a place where she could meet with clients. She realized the space also would give her the opportunity to help other artists who needed a venue to sell their works.

“I’ve surrounded myself with some very brilliant people, and you feed off of each other,” she said of the group’s creative skills.

In addition to Hokenstad, five makers have their work in the store:

• Amy Kasten of The Spirited Soul SD. Kasten makes jewelry, collage art and sewing art.
• Mike and Carrie Brogden of Maple Leaf Furniture Co. Hokenstad describes their furniture as “more of a crafty style” compared with her industrial loft pieces. They also make home decor signs.
• Chris Parsley of S&C Design. Parsley uses a CNC machine to cut out objects such as signs and key holders using a variety of materials. “If you have a logo and you want it on something, Chris can do it.”
• Joe Bowar of Bowar Construction. He builds furniture out of salvaged materials.
• Shianne Dutson. “She sells absolutely beautiful artwork to put herself through college.”

“The store is extremely unique,” Hokenstad said. “These are pretty much one-of-a-kind pieces.”

The makers also do custom orders. “If you can dream it, we can make it.”

Hokenstad, who also sells the Dixie Belle line of chalk paint for DIY furniture projects, plans to start offering painting classes in her workshop, possibly as soon as next month.

The store is open from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday, with late hours on Thursday until 7 p.m.