Artesana
By Sharla Gorder / Photos by Kate Treick Photography
From lava lamps to charcuterie boards. If these walls — and shelves — could talk, the stories at Artesana gift shop would span decades, providing “the perfect gift” for four generations of Pensacola shoppers.
Established in 1967, Artesana focused on imports from around the world. Owners Marian and Ralph Kinser filled the shelves with eclectic gifts from all over the globe. In 1985, the Kinsers sold the business to their niece, Robin Jennings Carr, and she continued to delight the community with her fabulous finds.
Today, Artesana owner Josephine Daniels (since 2003) has added a fresh focus on unique gifts and accessories with homegrown appeal. While several products — including the iconic “woodenware” line of monkeypod dinnerware — are still imported, Daniels is proud of Artesana’s extensive selection of local merchandise.
“Artesana started out as Artesana Imports,” Daniels explained. “And while we still import some products, we now devote a lot of shelf space to local artisans and producers.”
And there is no shortage of talent in this town. Artesana features the work of local artists, authors and innovators, including community cookbooks, artisanal candles and other locally produced gift items.
The shift to providing more homegrown products is just one example of Artesana’s ability to move with the times — while still maintaining the classic Southern charm the shop has become known for.
Artesana Imports was born in a quaint, gray-and-white Victorian-style cottage on Garden Street in Pensacola in 1967. The building had once served as a church, and the baptismal font is still intact, right across from the register.
The place exudes charm, so unlike shopping malls.
“People often come in on their lunch breaks,” Daniels says, “just to walk around, relax and look at pretty things.”
But it’s not just locals who frequent the shop. Daniels has clients from all over the United States who go directly from the airport to Artesana when they visit Pensacola. They can’t wait to see what’s new.
And there’s always something new — another secret of the store’s success. Tourists and locals alike enjoy the ever-evolving selection of Blue Angels merchandise; custom-made Pensacola sweaters, pillows and blankets; and original Pensacola-themed tumblers — designed by Daniels’ mother exclusively for Artesana.
But certain gifts and services have been around from the beginning and aren’t going anywhere. Artesana’s bridal services and registry have provided custom invitations, stationery and personalized gifts for the bride-to-be for decades.
Likewise, traditional lines of home décor products and dinnerware have always been a staple. Vietri, Caspari, Juliska and vintage-inspired blue and white dinnerware grace the shelves in every room of the shop.
“And of course, the woodenware,” Daniels adds. “Artesana was the first to import these acacia wood platters and serving dishes back in the ’60s. It’s still our biggest seller.”
While sales is the name of the game in any retail venture, Daniels and her team at Artesana are extremely active in the community and are always looking for ways to give back.
“We participate in the Rally for Childhood Cancer shopping weekends and fundraisers, the Junior League of Pensacola diaper drives, First Tee Gulf Coast charity campaigns, Ballet of Pensacola fundraisers, local school auctions, and more. We stay busy.”
Even during the COVID crisis, Daniels worked long days, taking customer service to an even higher level.
“The shop was closed; everything was closed. Still, one or two of us would come in and take photos to post on Instagram. Customers would call in with their orders, and we’d gift-wrap their purchases. I would then drive all over town and leave their packages at their door.”
The business survived when so many did not. Artesana had weathered wars, recessions and hurricanes over the decades. Daniels was not about to let a global pandemic close her doors.
And now, Daniels has opened new doors — literally.
Artesana Baby and Child, right next to the original store, opened in the Fall of 2022. The store is spacious and bright but still maintains the trademark charm of the mother store, with individual rooms devoted to each stage of a baby’s life — from infant to toddler to preteen and tweens. There is even an entire room devoted to toys.
The additional space has also made it easier for Daniels to organize fun events for the community.
“We have hosted silhouette and handprint artists, craft workshops, mom and baby photo sessions, Mahjong lessons, tea parties and more.”
As if all of this isn’t enough to keep Daniels and her team happily occupied, Daniels is still “brainstorming.”
“I have some plans to incorporate more local merchandise, and even make new products myself,” she says.
While Daniels is proud of her shop and her team, she is eager to give credit where credit is due.
And it is due to her community and customers. Recently, during the hectic holiday season, while Daniels was trying to serve multiple shoppers at once, a customer touched Daniels on the sleeve and smiled. “Thank you for being here,” she said.
Daniels was moved.
Five simple words: Thank you for being here.
“That just meant a lot,” said Daniels.
And it looks like Artesana is going to “be here” for a long time coming. The women who have run this business since its inception 58 years ago keep passing the torch to other capable, creative women.
“Do you think you’ll pass the business on to one of your kids?” I asked Daniels.
Daniels smiled.
“I have a feeling it is in my daughter’s blood as well. She loves everything about the two stores.”
And so does Pensacola. Here’s to another 58 years, Artesana.
Thank you for being here.
Artesana
Where: 242 W. Garden St., Pensacola
When: 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Saturday.
Info: 850-433-4001; artesanaimports.com; Facebook/Artesana and Instagram/Artesanapensacola
