Southern Gypsy Cottage offers gifts, workshops to residents
Owners Tiffany Tully and Tracey Prator have high hopes to bridge the gap between Shreveport and Bossier City with the opening of their new store Southern Gypsy Cottage.
The new business, located at 4326 Parkway Drive in Bossier City, opened Dec. 4, with a grand opening event that welcomed the community with live, local music entertainment, a bouncy house for children, refreshments such as locally made coffee and tea, and several prizes and giveaways. An official ribbon-cutting was also held that day.
“I just fell in love with the place when I first saw it,” Tully said. “I knew that this place, so unlike other businesses in strip malls and typical retail outlets, was meant for so many fun and creative dreams to come true.”
Prator and Tully said they are committed to giving back to the community and bringing novelty to the area. The shop features the works of local artists and artisans and offers a wide variety of items at the store such as: candles, clothing, home décor, jewelry, baby items, monogramming, paintings and several other unique finds and re-purposed or vintage pieces.
The cottage also offers workshops where customers can learn to create their own pieces of art while enjoying a cocktail and good music. The owners said they will host several different types of workshops such as: art, sewing and others crafts of interest.
Prator and Tully said they became instant friends shortly after meeting.
“Tracey and I came up with this idea that makes us so excited to this day,” Tully said. “The concept is to let us continue to provide an inviting venue for specialty items now combined with an art studio. We want to be available to not only sell our items and art but to provide a place for guests to attend workshops in which they can learn to create their own pieces of art.”
Prator and Tully said they strive to show that the two cities can bring their talent together, especially when it comes to artistic expression and opportunities.
“We really want people to know about our store and what we have to offer,” Prator said.
Prator had previously owned Gentle Spirits Art Studio located above the Naked Bean coffee house on Kings Highway in Shreveport. When the Naked Bean closed, she started her own line of bath and body products, Bee Hippie, featuring items infused with locally produced honey and beeswax provided by Hummer and Son Honey Farm. Bee Hippie is now being produced and sold by Prator at Southern Gypsy Cottage.
Other featured artists will also be able to hang their pieces in the store. The owners said they usually find their local artists at farmers markets and makers fairs, or simply by social media and word of mouth.
“This represents the American Dream: to take an idea to fruition and as a result, give happiness and joy,” Prator said.
– Eloise Palmer
Learn more:
Southern Gypsy Cottage is open noon to 6 p.m. Wednesday through Friday and noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Appointments are available upon request. For more information, email Southerngypsycottage@gmail.com.
