Local business spotlight: Domestica

Chrissy Jensen and a friend brainstormed opening a Des Moines business that carried handmade items. The two had enjoyed shopping at similar stores elsewhere. When the friend moved, Jensen decided to go ahead with their plans solo and opened Domestica.

"We were involved in the handmade community and had been checking out similar stores in other cities. We really wanted to bring this concept to Des Moines," Jensen said. "I kept working on it and finally got it open."

As a photo stylist working in film and print on shoots, Jensen also taps into her creative side after work, enjoying craft trades like crocheting.

Jensen spoke with The Des Moines Register about her business.

Q: What do you offer?

A: We have handmade items and items designed by individuals — nothing here from a large corporation. We have home accessories, personal accessories and tons of posters and prints. We also carry baby toys and clothing, gift shop-type items. If you're looking for a unique gift outside of what you'd find at a big box store, you'll find it here.

Q: Where do you find your merchandise?

A: Our items come from makers all across the country, the U.K. and Japan. We try to carry as many local people's items as we can, but we have modern aesthetics, so while someone might have beautiful headbands, but it doesn't match our aesthetics, we wouldn't carry it. We try hard to make sure the majority of our things have Iowa or Midwestern ties if we can. I'm a total fan of Etsy. If you see something online that you love, you probably can find it here.

Q: Who are your customers?

A: Disproportionately women. It's a really cute store with lots of pink and bright colors. But this winter, we saw a lot of guys come in for gifts, as well as prints and posters, particularly band posters, so our store does appeal to the guys. The women range in age from high school to the 70s.

Q: What is your square footage?

A: We have 800 square feet.

Q: What does your store space look like?

A: Like Disney World — very colorful. It's a really cheerful store. We're so lucky to have huge windows.

Domestica

LOCATED AT: 321 East Walnut St., Suite 150, Des Moines.

HOURS: 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. Monday through Wednesday, 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday.

OWNER: Chrissy Jensen.

BUSINESS HISTORY: Jensen opened the business in April 2010.

CONTACT: 523-0240, www.ilovedomestica.com, on Facebook at Domestica DSM.