The Nursery Experience Offers Hand-Crafted, Locally Made Items

Not long ago, the house at the corner of Hanna and Central avenues was an eyesore.

But Amy and Juan Camacho saw potential, working with county officials to rezone the single family home to open The Nursery Experience on Nov. 24, Small Business Saturday.

Now, hardwood floors, lattice work on the patio and potted plants welcome patrons to one of Seminole Heights's newest businesses at 6202 N. Central Avenue, which offers hand-crafted baby items that range from bibs to wall art.

"Juan is good at home renovation projects, so we basically quit our day jobs," said Amy Camacho of how the business came about. "I was working for an advertising company, and Juan worked for Bank of America. We went back to serving tables at Jackson's to save up money. We knew we could do it."

Let Patch save you time. Get great local stories like this delivered right to your inbox or smartphone everyday with our free newsletter. Simple, fast sign-up here.

We talked to the Camacho's about what sets them apart from other businesses and the challenges they faced before opening their doors.

Juan on why they started the business: "To leverage both of our strengths. I am a finance major, and Amy is an art major. We have always worked together. We met working together working at Jackson's on Harbour Island. She would always do art projects and crafts. I would encourage her to paint things. I was so amazed at some of the things she would paint. We said, 'Wow, what if we could sell the paintings?' We started doing traveling art shows. That's how we started, really."

Amy on how they chose the nursery idea: "My talent in art was prominent in children's items. I've always aspired to do the art for children's books. We relate well with people who have children."

Amy on the challenges of being a small business owner: "That initial start up. Getting the word out, getting people to understand exactly what we're doing here. People say, 'I didn't know it was hand crafted items.' They think it's baby gifts."

Juan: "Often times, business owners rent a storefront and change the occupancy. We had to rezone it from single family to commercial."

Amy on what's offered at the business: "I have artwork that's ready to buy. We offer a wide variety of handmade products, from bibs to crocheted blankets, quilts, onesies, gift box sets. Everything is here on consignment. All items made by other people that I sell, there's a percentage I take and they get."

Juan on what he thinks sets them apart from other business owners: "The biggest thing is the challenges I've heard from people who have children is everything they go to buy, it's fairly generic. If they go to Toys "R" Us or Babies "R" Us. We offer custom items. If you want a specific style of bib, the artists can make those."

For more information, call 813-679-6619 or go to www.thenurseryexperience.com.

Have you been to The Nursery Experience? Tell us in the comments.