Artist moves from an appointment-only studio to a downtown storefront
Until now, fashion illustrator and designer Stella Hankins has had a studio for her work that was open to the public by appointment only.
A few weeks ago, she was approached about moving from her space near Waterman and Hydraulic to a storefront near Douglas and St. Francis behind where Espresso To Go Go used to be.
“I wasn’t planning on it at all,” Hankins said. “I had to really hustle.”
On Saturday, Bella Bonita Designs will open as a boutique with gifts and women’s clothing.
Hankins creates textile designs for clothing.
Currently, that includes dresses and accessories, such as scarves and bandanas.
She hopes to expand into other lines as well, such as two-piece lounge sets.
Bella Bonita also will carry Hankins’ paintings.
“They’re mostly fashion inspired,” she said. “They’re very colorful.”
What Hankins called “the perfect size little shop” is colorful as well. For instance, Hankins repainted the floor a color called Bella Pink.
“It’s a nice, feminine, high-energy boutique.”
Hankins has gift items, such as purses, trinket trays and jewelry, made by women-owned businesses throughout the state.
Hankins, who has been sober for eight years, said that “this whole business was born when I first got sober.”
She’s previously employed women in recovery and plans to again.
“I wanted to have a business that celebrates sobriety and creativity.”
The store opens on Saturday, and everyone who wears pink will receive 15% off.
