Boutique featuring Longboat artists expands

Business owner Heather Rippy knows just as well as other Longboat Key residents what it takes to rebuild a home post hurricane. Her home sustained significant damage from hurricanes Helene and Milton, and like many residents, she has to repair and refurbish her house. 

Her boutique, Driftwood Beach Home and Garden, fortunately fared well in the storms, and after reopening on Oct. 28, Rippy decided to forge ahead to even expand her business.

Rippy said the original shop at 6838 Gulf of Mexico Drive will remain the same, featuring clothes, books, decor and more by primarily local artists.

A few doors down, she realized the dream of carrying larger pieces, including furniture, large-scale art and other unique furnishings. Friends and artists joined in a celebration of the official opening on April 10.

"There are more than 50 local artists in the shop," she said. "Some are painters; some make jewelry; some make pottery. The wallpaper pieces are also by a local artist."

Photo by Dana Kampa

Rippy said she has always enjoyed promoting small business and local artisans.

"It makes it so much more personal and interesting, and I enjoy building the relationships," she said.

The new space also fittingly features driftwood sculptures by a Bradenton-based artist who collects his materials from near Lake Erie.

She opened the original shop in 2021, and over the years it grew into a hub for celebrating local talent and facilitating community classes on cooking and other artistic skills.

Rippy thanked the customers who have continued to support the boutique over the years and hopes they find time to check out the new space soon.

Those who are interested in keeping up with upcoming events like the Holly Shae trunk show on April 17 can visit the Driftwood Beach Home and Garden page on Facebook.