L AT E S T
SHOP LOCAL
Images courtesy of Bella Vita Jewelry (top) and J. Bienvenu Interiors (bottom)
What’s New? BELLA VITA JEWELRY LITTLE ROCK
Jewelry designer Brandy Thomason McNair started Bella Vita Jewelry 13 years ago. This fall the small business will expand its Little Rock shop into an adjacent loft, which will contribute 1,200 more square feet to the storefront at 108 W. Sixth St. This means that most of the jewelry production can move off the sales floor, freeing up space for Bella Vita to increase its inventory of apparel, local art, home décor, crystals, and even fair trade items for pets. “I’ve wanted to branch out into more ethically sourced, ‘slow fashion’ apparel items, which this will allow me to do,” Brandy says. In addition to increased inventory, Brandy looks forward to hosting more events and workshops in the new studio. Further down the line, she even plans to dedicate part of the space to an antique button museum featuring her collection of hundreds of buttons “This will probably take a couple of years to develop and execute, but it’s a passion project I’m determined to see to fruition.” Follow along on Instagram (@bellavitajewelry) for shop updates.
J. BIENVENU INTERIORS LITTLE ROCK
Sweet Home Furnishings & clement on South Main Street, a veritable treasure trove of furniture, art, and accessories, is a collaboration between antique dealers John Bell and Chris Clement. The two joined forces more than 15 years ago to bring shoppers a unique experience, integrating their eclectic finds into cohesive vignettes rather than separating them out into individual booths. Now, they’ve welcomed a third dealer to the store: Jen Bienvenu of J. Bienvenu Interiors. “She has such a great eye, and she started out as a good customer who gradually became a good friend,” Chris says. When he and John started to consider the possibility of a third dealer, the timing was just right for Jen to start selling finds of her own. “We’re so glad to have her; her taste is complementary to what we have in store, but she also has her own viewpoint,” Chris adds. “I’ve been shopping with Chris and John since we moved to Arkansas, and their style has definitely influenced my own aesthetic,” Jen says. “I’m very grateful to be part of their world.” Look for Jen’s contributions to the store—which range from classically designed furniture and upholstery to taxidermy and dried gourds—at 1324 S. Main St. in Little Rock. You can also follow along on Instagram (@j.bienvenu.interiors), and read our Q&A with Jen on our blog (athomearkansas.com/blog).
14 At Home in Arkansas | September 2021
