Jan 27, 2008

Mishawaka store is dream come trueBy Heidi PrescottSouthBendTribune.com

Stefanie Buysse made a vow on her 25th birthday. She told herself she would open a retail store in the next 10 years.

The native Mishawakan has accomplished that goal — just in the nick of time, with Interior Elements & Design studio, 422 W. Seventh St. The shop is nestled into a tiny building next to Mishawaka’s popular West Side Bakery.

From soft relaxing music to cookies on the counter, Buysse has created a unique nook for shoppers looking for a one-of-a-kind home accessory or gift. Visit our blog to take a tour of the store and hear Buysse talk about her creations.

Talk about being versatile.

Buysse operates an interior design service that she started in the basement of her home about nine years ago. In addition, she frames pictures and makes jewelry. With her two young daughters and husband, she collects stones and fossils from Harbor Country to mount on picture frames. She paints glass and makes metal message boards that feature leaves etched into the metal.

And some of the lines in her store, including shopping bags made of recycled polyethylene and baskets, bowls and necklaces made of recycled newspapers — wow! — are geared toward environmentally conscious consumers.

Read complete article.