Seaforth Artisan Emporium

Nestled in an old building in downtown Seaforth, lies the dream business of Jo-Ann Kuntz. Along with her husband Jim. They had always dreamed of owning a unique property like an old school or church, or a charming storefront in a rural village. Jo-Ann fell in love with 20 Main Street South on her first visit and made the leap to become a retail entrepreneur.

Seaforth Artisan Emporium opened on November 2, 2023, which was during the height of a street closure due to a tractor wedged in a storefront across the street. While not the start to the business she had envisioned, it certainly made for a memorable one.

Jo-Ann and her husband, both artisans - her working in fabric and he in wood, had long been selling their products through vendor and craft shows, and trying to find retail outlets to work with. Once the storefront was found, they knew they had found a home, not just for their wares but a venue to help make life easier for other artisans. Doing the rounds of shows requires a lot of time, money and effort, and sometimes the only results are disappointment. By bringing in a wide assortment of consignment vendors, the Emporium can use its resources to bring the customers to the artisans, rather than the other way around.

Kuntz began with vendors and makers that she knew, both within her circle of family and friends, and from her years of doing the rounds of shows. She started to go to more shows and began to recruit unique and highly talented people. 

She now carries a diverse inventory, with something for everyone and a wide range of price points. The products range from fabric and wood, to crocheted pieces and art to a growing line of food products. 

Just a year in, and the store is already expanding. The building is actually two storefronts, and the Emporium is growing to occupy both sides. The food products are something Jo-Ann is excited to build on. All of the food is sourced from small local family businesses, like Millie’s Gourmet out of St Marys with its line of soup mixes, hot chocolates and dips, Picard Nuts and local maple syrup, honey and jams.

Jo-Ann can’t believe her luck, both with the space (they live upstairs, and she has a sewing room in the back - everything she loves within steps!) and with the amazing range of talented artisans that she has managed to find. She was impressed with Dot Art, a local artist’s line of paint dot creations that have transformed everything from tea light holders to lazy susans into works of art. A local wood turner has brought in the usual bowls and rolling pins, but at Easter had transformed a piece into a lovely rabbit. There is so much to see that you will have “to take a second trip around the store just to see it all”, she warns!

The artisans and craftspeople are always inspired by the seasons, and she can’t wait to see what the fall and Christmas deliveries will bring. You are supporting local when you shop at the Seaforth Artist Emporium. 20 Main St S, Seaforth