BUSINESS OBSERVER

+ Beach-inspired boutique opens on Ocean Boulevard
Caribbean-style boutique Le Gran Bisou opened Saturday, Dec. 1, at 5129 Ocean Blvd. The store carries clothing made mainly in the United States, jewelry, handbags, accessories and toiletries.

“Everything that I ever wanted my boutique to look like is right here,” said owner Martha Smith. “This is exactly how I imagined it in my head.”

Smith left her Cape Cod boutique and home to move earlier this year to Sarasota. She searched Sarasota for a new boutique location but decided on Siesta Key because it fit better with her Caribbean beach theme, and it felt like home.

Le Gran Bisou is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Sunday.

+ Art’n Party makes art accessible on the Key
Siesta Key artist Shawn McLoughlin launched Art’n Party, 6300 S. Tamiami Trail, Tuesday, Nov. 20. McLoughlin teaches a two-hour fundamentals art class from 6:30 to 8:30 p.m. Tuesday through Thursday while students sip on wine and enjoy the evening.

McLoughlin provides five different paintbrushes, an easel, palette, canvas, apron and acrylic paints for the students to use. The classes are for all skill levels, including children, and outdoor classes are also offered. The goal is for participants to enjoy a relaxing evening and go home with a finished product of which they can be proud.

“The best thing for me is that I get to paint on a daily basis again, and that is so much fun,” McLoughlin said.
To book a party, visit artnparty.com.