Small Crafts Advisory — Local services in Stone Harbor

This review is no reflection on the artists represented in the store but staff present at approximately 2 pm est on August 17th.

I’ve shopped here since the first year they appeared in Stone Harbor. Selection is always thoughtful, curated for quality and reflective of a high level of artistic vision.

But today’s experience left me feeling utterly embarrassed and likely never to return.

While shopping I was on the phone with a cousin who lost her father last week. I was actively shopping and talking like I’ve seen so many do in other shops in town. Just a busy mom and business owner finally getting some time to herself to catch up with a friend and indulge in a few purchases:(

I was examining several items repeatedly and had the incident not occurred I’d likely have spent over $300 based on what was catching my eye. The lapis serpentine ring in the front case was amazing btw and the rings in the back counter cabinet (looked a bit vintage/estate) also incredible. Oh and the hand painted clam shells, wished I could have grabbed one!

The conversation was not profane in any way. In fact I was talking about how her and her children’s grieving process was going. My mom was shopping with me and didn’t even notice I was on a call. My voice is more of a powerful one so perhaps that was the problem? But my volume certainly wasn’t more than say two friends shopping together talking excitedly.

I was asked to leave. I was told in a very curt, cold and what felt Pretty Woman-esque, that I needed to take my conversation outside immediately.

The store was full, folks were checking out. I was certainly not inhibiting sales.

I won’t return likely, so Big Mistake, Small Crafts Advisory….HUGE. Lol

All jokes aside, as a modern business owner I believe you need to understand that busy women are multitasking like never before and an innocent chat on the phone while selecting gifts (shopping!) is a MASSIVE form of self care. Also kindness should reign and today it...

I come here every summer and usually buy some trinkets and crafts that are gorgeous. Typically the staff is great!

However, I was here earlier this summer and my friend fell in love with a vase and said she wanted it but couldn’t safely transport it home. Since there was only one business card for the artist, she was going to take a picture of the card to reach out to the artist about safe shipping. The sales lady stopped her and I politely let the sales lady know that we were being careful about not getting any art in the background and that due to transportation issues we just wanted the card for the artist. She then went on a tirade about how if we get the artist information instead of buying from them that we were “ruining small business America”.

I understand wanting a sale, but if you are running a craft/art store you should be focusing on the best interest of the artists you represent. We had other items we were planning to buy but walked out after this rude...

Love the store and especially the jewelry. I purchased with Dana's help, a very unique stunning ring. We discussed purchasing the ring in a larger size which I am doing. It will take a while to receive but anything different and unusual is worth waiting for. Can't wait to receive, and many...