Christine Terpening
Contributing Writer
(Photo by Christine Terpening – Owner Jamie Kita shows off the cozy atmosphere of Seasonal Inspirations Gift Shop and some of its products.)
You need not go far to find the perfect decor for your home or gift for your loved ones. Seasonal Inspirations Gift Shop has something to appeal to everyone. “I have a variety of home decor and gifts. Much of it I make. I want to be unique,” says owner Jamie Kita. While her shop changes with the seasons, you will also find holiday and off-season items all year long.
In this Olivet shop you’ll find a variety of items – candles, potpourri, old things, new things, handmade cards, Wind & Willow dip mixes and dishes to serve it in, room fragrances and sprays, knick knacks, note pads, furniture and so much more. Are you going to the big game? You can find spirit wear for the Olivet Eagles so you root for the home team in style.
The cozy shop is teaming with creativity. While Kita creates much of her own goods that she sells, she also provides space for customers to put their talents to work. “Not everyone has space at home or doesn’t want the mess,” said Kita, “and it’s just fun to craft with somebody.” One day they may be making fiber arts like quilting, felting, knitting, and anything textile and another day they will be playing with paper such as scrapbooking, drawing, or anything pertaining to paper. “I like to create and I like to inspire others to create,” Kita stated.
Seasonal Inspirations also hosts classes for guided creations. She has a variety of artisans that lead crafters in projects from felting to painting. Those who partake can purchase supplies at the shop as well as have a take-home creation likely to be a family treasure.
Kita is inspired by the four seasons, hence the name of her shop, but also in the way she lives. “I love change so my shop changes all the time,” she says, “There’s always something new and different.” You’ll never know what you may find in Kita’s shop, “I may only make one or two of something so I’m unique and one of a kind.” The moral of this story is that Seasonal Inspirations Gift Shop is something you’ll want to visit and revisit so you don’t miss out on any treasures.
Kita has more change on the horizon. She is expanding her shop to offer more masculine gifts as well as baby and kids items to appeal to a larger customer base. Private craft parties are also something that are in the works. On her shop’s horizon might also include serving a select amount of food from a kitchen. It’s in the works, pending wrinkles to be ironed out. “I’m hoping to pursue this. We have no place to eat downtown,” said Kita.
Kita’s shop, now in its eighth year, is a source of passion. “I’ve always been a crafter. I just like to make things. I get pleasure out of seeing people happy with something I made,” she said. “My shop is a little hidden treasure in Olivet. We have a lot to offer!”
Seasonal Inspirations Gift shop is located on the curve in downtown Olivet and can be reached at (269)223-2790. Stop in and browse from corner-to-corner Tuesday, Thursday and Friday from 11 a.m.-5 p.m., Wednesday from 11 a.m. – 4 p.m. and Saturday from 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. You can also shop from your easy chair at www.seasonal-inspirations.com.
