Swanky Chic Junk Boutique

I’m assuming you’ve been to at least one craft event in your life, but if you’ve never been to the Swanky Chic Junk Boutique, you are missing out! I’m not lying when I say it is one of my most favorite events of the entire year.

The Swanky Chic Junk Boutique is actually held twice a year. Once in early Spring, and the other in the Fall, but every time it’s held at the Delta Convention Center in South Sioux City, Nebraska. Honestly, more events need to be held here, because it is an impressively nice venue.

Nothing like a craft show

How is this Boutique different than a craft show? Well, it’s like a craft show on steroids! All the exhibitors have to produce hand-made creations only. No franchises, well-known brands or box stores allowed. You’ll find farmers, wood-workers, and jewelry makers.

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Creative business owners selling their authentic, hand-made products; local businesses striving to get name recognition; and even hobbyists relishing in the friendly competition.

Some vendors don’t even have a registered LLC, they just do this out of their homes for extra spending money, enjoying the entrepreneurial atmosphere.

What you’ll see

You’ll find one-of-a-kind creations, pieces to add to your growing trinket collection, salvaged and distressed furniture, and repurposed barn wood.

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Every item has a uniqueness and a story behind it. When you purchase from a local business owner, or even an individual honing their craft, you support their imagination.

I’m not exaggerating when I tell you, the atmosphere at this specific event is completely different than a craft show. Every vendor is selectively chosen with precision. Most of these business owners setting up booths next to each other know each other on first-name basis, and support one another.

Fat redhead designs

This is my second year going to the Boutique. The first time I attended I met Casey from Fat Readhead Designs. I whole-heartedly fell in love with her jewelry. It is gawdy and chunky, large and flashy. Totally fits my personality! So far, I have purchased three necklaces from her, and relish in the compliments I get when I wear them. I even plan to purchase a couple more before the end of the year.

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Through talking with her the last year, I’ve learned she travels all over the United States to purchase precious stones she uses to make her jewelry. She buys from national and world-wide markets, purchasing wholesale magnesite, onyx, jasper, agate, jade and even camel bone.

Sturgis signs

I met Ashley, who owns Sturgis Signs. Along with banners and decals, she also makes Pine wood signs. She transfers images of entire state and world maps to the surface of the wood sign. Some of her signs are four to six feet wide. She had the entire map of the United States, Iowa, Nebraska and South Dakota at the Boutique.

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Ashley and I talked about doing the world map on a six-foot wide circular wood sign I could hang on my office wall. She said that would be doable, and would love to work on an undertaking like that. This is what I love about talking with local business owners about their trade; you can submit special requests, and brainstorm ideas together.

S & K creations

I met new business owners Shelly and Keith Lee from S & K Creations out of Council Bluffs, Iowa. Shelly told me this is their way to keep busy after retirement. They make wood signs that are downright hilarious! Shelly comes up with these witty and comical quotes, and Keith cuts down the wood to make the sign. I’m all about championing for creativity, and I definitely want to support cheeky and dry humor.

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Soaps and Lotions

At every vendor show there will always be handmade soaps. Two unique vendors, with two different business models are My Serenity Body Lotion, LLC and Loess Valley Soaps.

My serenity body lotion, LLC

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My Serenity Body Lotion, LLC (myserenitybodylotion.com) out of Omaha, Nebraska has an impressive line of products. Everything from lotions to bath bombs, sugar scrubs to chapstick. Karen, the owner, even makes beard balms for men! I love their travel sizes, and their solid stick lotions, perfect for flying, without having the TSA confiscate your items.

Loess Valley

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Loess Valley Soaps out of Salix, Iowa is a fairly new business, but producing great products. Becky has various scented soaps, activated charcoal bar soaps and amazing smelling chapstick. I love that she is in Siouxland, and so close. Once I use up our current supply of soaps, I plan to contact her, and maybe make a visit to her ranch.

New life art & glass

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Cheri from New Life Art & Glass had her designs on display. I’ve seen creations like this on Pinterest, but never thought I’d see them in person. She said she acquires uniquely shaped bottles from antique stores, consignment shops and yard sales. These would be lovely in a parlor or home library.

Food!

Finally, there’s always food and drink at craft events. I came hungry, so one of the first things I did was order my Bloody Mary and visit the Coffee & Nosh food truck.

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Gringo’s

I had seen Gringo’s (gringosporkrinds.com) at the Beer & Wine Festival last month, and after initially meeting them, I snagged their business card and visited their website. I read about their story, and learned they are out of Sioux City, and rapidly growing. So, when I saw they were at the Boutique, I knew I had to make a purchase. I tasted their pork rinds, loved them, and bought two bags.

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Final thoughts

Overall, I spent two and a half hours walking around, chatting with business owners and learning about their trade. I saw some familiar faces, and met new friends. I plan to follow up with several of these businesses, and maybe even see them at the next Swanky Chic Junk Boutique.

Plan your visit

Make sure to show support for this bi-yearly event. It is truly so unique and inspiring. You not only are supporting local businesses, but you’re helping the community grow by keeping your money local.

We have been slowing transitioning our buying habits to favor local farms and businesses. Events like this give us so many ideas and avenues to filter our buying choices.

I hope you get a chance in the Fall to make your way to this vendor show. Have fun, meet local businesses and farmers, and learn about your community!