Without a doubt, the best part of this series has been discovering so many new, wonderful places. With one more stop on our virtual tour, I hope you’ll join me on a quick trip to Breaux Bridge, a town that we all know is overflowing with charm, creativity and character. I was tipped off to this gem of a store by a dear friend (& super mom) who lives nearby. It took me all of 45 seconds, once I was inside, to become completely enamored with the merchandise but also the (wo)man power behind it all. Ladies & gentlemen… The Rustic Relic.
Who?
Nicole Savoie, the ‘creative entrepreneur’ and owner, who shares 5 kids with her husband, ranging in age from 20-34. The store is a beautiful ‘dream-realized’ for Nicole, who graciously shares the space with her own mom and sister, promoting their own works of art and routinely celebrates the work of other local artists.
What?
The Rustic Relic. It’s hard to summarize all that the walls of this shop hold, but the two generations of makers who fill the space do so beautifully. There’s luxurious, hand crochet blankets, home goods, local art and their specialty… jewelry. Oh, the jewelry. Everything from boho, leather cuffs to recycled Victorian brooches, religious pieces, and so much more.
When?
The dream of owning a studio has lived in Nicole since her ‘early twenties.’ But, a curveball disguised as a health scare helped her to find the motivation and determination to make it happen. The current location is a new development, and one we all hope has staying power.
Where?
105 N. Main St, Breaux Bridge
Store Hours: Wednesday- Saturday 10:00-5:30
17min/12 mile drive from the Cajundome
26min/17 miles drive from Acadiana Mall
25 min/17 mile drive from Zoosiana
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Why?
For all the reasons I’ve already said, and countless more. The Rustic Relic’s mission is “to share the gifts that God has blessed us with and to have a positive influence on all who come into contact with the RR.” This permeates every handcrafted piece making every piece of jewelry sold in this shop, truly a ‘statement’ in its own right.
In Nicole’s Own Words
“The most fun I have in our shoppe is when the young girls realize that I can make them a ‘special’ ring. They get a pearl of their choosing or a bead of their favorite color. I let them help me make it while they wear a blinged out tiara!”
“I find it important to maintain a mindset that supports the entire community, including my surrounding small business neighbors.”
“The most important lesson I have learned as a small-town business owner is how important it is to stay true to your mission statement… When I get off track, I just have to regroup and make sure that what I am working on reflects this mission.”
A little lagniappe
It’s no secret that Breaux Bridge is overflowing with shops worth stopping at. Here are a few of Rustic Relic’s neighbors that you should make time for as well!
- Artique prides itself on being a shop that supports all Louisiana local artisans. Their vendors range in age from 11-93 and every nook and cranny is filled with handmade art. Store owner, Brandy invites you to “come and get lost for a bit in all the creativity inside.” You won’t have a problem finding the store either, there’s always music playing on the front porch!
- Cochon Cannery claims to be ‘just a husband and wife making jam’, but the storefront offers so much more! You’ll find things like Apple Bacon Butter, seasonal fruit jams with bacon, Pork Skins and their signature Bacon Jam (and even a spicy version!). You can also find them at the Lafayette Farmers & Arisians Market on some Saturdays along with Food Popups.
- The Hive & The Homestead is run by husband and wife team Jessie & Joey Babineaux. The couple are beekeepers, soap makers, modern homesteaders and owners of this brand new storefront. Their store allows them the space to showcase their passion to the greater community and lets us all get involved! They offer beekeeping equipment, handcrafted soaps using their own local honey and essential oils, heirloom seeds for the urban gardener and so much more!
- Pink Alligator Gallery, boasts ‘more ‘funkiness that other galleries’. Artsy and inspiring, they feature art from emerging to established artists like Kelly Guidry, Dutch Kepler and Jerome Weber. A destination for unique, handmade jewelry, outsider folk art, sculpture, vintage décor and of course, alligator accessories including clutches and cuffs by Cocodri and much more!
Love it!