WRITER | CANDIE CONAT
PHOTOS | HALF MILE HANDMADE

I think I have quite possibly found my next “girls’ day road trip.” Half Mile Handmade in Bay City sounds like my kind of place. Representing over 150 artisans — 80% of them from Michigan — Half Mile Handmade is the ultimate shop for those who treasure local and handmade gifts and home décor.

A few years ago, owner Capri Wisniewski was looking to make some extra money. She decided to create infinity scarves, pillows, and baby outfits from repurposed t-shirts to sell on Etsy. It wasn’t long before her products were selling like gangbusters and her handmade business, Craftinista Girl, was a full-time business.

When Wisniewski saw so many awesome businesses opening in her hometown of Bay City, she knew she wanted to create a place where handcrafters could come together to sell their creations. She had always wanted to own a business there, and this was her chance. That’s when Half Mile Handmade was born. Wisniewski carefully selects her vendors using an application vetting process. This ensures the finest products and a highly varied selection for her customers.

Some of Wisniewski’s most popular products include greeting cards and vinyl stickers along with pillows and wooden wall art signs. Of course, there is never a shortage of those of us who will purchase anything shaped like our state or that bears its outline. “Having a large collection of vendors helps to keep the inventory fresh and fun, changing with the seasons and keeping up with current trends,” says Wisniewski.

Recently, Half Mile Handmade opened a booth in the nearby City Market. Wisniewski says it’s a fun place to visit, with a lively atmosphere. City Market is an indoor farmers market with fresh veggies, fruits, meats, herbs, and other local products. Half Mile Handmade is the only home décor/gift-type booth in the market. So far, it’s been a great success, and Wisniewski and her vendors have been well received.

Half Mile Handmade is open year-round and ready to welcome you anytime, so be sure to include it as a stop on your next road trip!

Half Mile Handmade 904 North Water Street, Bay City, MI  48708 l (989) 778-2228  | HalfMileHandmade.com