GREENFIELD — Jamie Cook and Mary Schuck have been best friends for nearly 10 years. During that time, they’ve shared a lot of life and laughs — and one dream: to one day open a business together — a business where artisans could share their creativity with others.
Last fall, Schuck’s place of employment — the Christian Lifeway Bookstore — took its business online, and she found herself without a job. And, well, as the saying goes, when one door closes, another one opens. The women saw their chance. Cook closed her in-home day care center in November, and last Saturday, the Gilded Nest opened its doors at 16A N. State St.
While Cook has the overall vision for the shop, Schuck has a craftsman’s heart with a specialty in furniture restoration. The two women hit upon the idea of creating a co-op where craftspeople could sell what they’ve made.
“We knew so many people who did creative things,” Schuck said. “It seemed to be a way to make it happen by renting out space and bringing talents together.”
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And the vendors came rolling in: sign makers, seamstresses, woodworkers, jewelers and potters. More than a dozen local vendors rented space by the foot in the 1,400-square-foot building. Nearly every spot is filled.
Schuck and Cook were selective in choosing their vendors so that there would be no overlap in the variety of products.
“We didn’t want them stepping on each others’ toes,” Schuck said. “Everyone has their own brand of items.”
In addition to the artisan creations, Schuck and Cook have plans to expand their merchandise offerings.
“We want to include a very welcoming bookshop, highlighting Christian books and a whimsical children’s section,” Schuck said.
When faced with opening a business during the COVID-19 pandemic closure, the women agreed that the delays had a silver lining.
“It was tough to have to wait,” Cook said, “but it gave us a buffer.”
After looking at the space in November, the owners worked with them — giving them to redecorate the building and prepare it for opening. The two were able to take their time in contacting vendors and filling the space to meet their vision.
“Our dream was exactly this kind of shop,” Schuck said. “A shop that highlights the beautiful creations of vendors who have become friends and provides an outlet for them to continue with their creative ideas.”
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The Gilded Nest
Owned by Mary Schuck and Jamie Cook
16a N. State St., Greenfield
Hours: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Saturday
Handcrafted home décor items, Christian books and children’s books
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