BUNNELL, Fla. (March 27, 2024) – Creating space for a dream is a noble endeavor. Making space to help other achieve theirs is even greater. Transforming a historic house into a group of shops so intricately intertwined it’s almost seamless, Poppy’s True Market welcomed shoppers to the grand opening on Sunday, March 24.
The vision of Flagler County’s Chelsea Barney Herbert, the 1900s multi-level home kept the historic character intact as she and friends refurbished the interior and exterior of the building, maintaining the neighborhood’s charm in the process.
Rooms are now mini maker’s markets housing antiques, handmade soaps and accessories, and home décor downstairs, with studios on the second floor featuring a yoga/fitness studio, a hair salon, and a professional photographer.
“We have one more space available, ideally I’d like it to be a clothing boutique,” said Herbert. “We’ve got a couple of people who have applied, we just need to get through this event before we make any decisions.”
Working with shop manager Abigail Hald, granddaughter of Terry Williams, the pair have created a space with a pottery barn-esque vibe that’s completely home grown and authentic.
“It’s amazing. Me and Chelsea did a lot of it ourselves so just seeing it turn out like this, it’s amazing. It’s a completely differently building,” shared Hald in between greeting customers.
“We put our signs out and people are drawn to them. They’re naturally curious to see what’s inside so we give them a tour. People like to follow along with our story.”
The porch, where artists once sat to absorb the ambiance of Bunnell’s Main Street, is a crisp and welcoming white and green, perfectly staged for those photosharing moments while shopping, enjoying a service or just stopping in for tea.
“It’s like a shopping plaza, just a different take on it,” explained Herbert of the concept.
Herbert’s day job in the construction industry helped the project stay on budget and the result is an HGTV-worthy makeover.
“It’s definitely been a longer to me road because we’ve done most of the work ourselves but yet the transformation has been unbelievable. It’s been amazing to see it come to life. We had a lot of really good help from great friends,” she said, remarking on the remodel process and desire to stay true to the history.
“That was done purposefully. A lot of the design elements I chose were from that era. We tried to replace the floors with like floors, the tile is similar to the design you would have found in that time period. I kind of went out of my comfort zone with the décor, we kind of threw in some art deco vibes which is not normally how I decorate but I wanted to push myself, and I really like it. It turned out well.”
It’s not just the clientele that agrees.
The Busy Bee Salon owner Jessica Steckert knew she had found the perfect place to land her business when customizing her studio space, after leaving a national salon brand.
Servicing clients for the past month, she said they too have enjoyed the nooks and crannies, large windows, and cozy atmosphere of the salon.
“It’s like you’re coming to hang out with your girlfriend and get your hair done as opposed to a corporate chain,” she said of the full-service salon.
Sharing the private space is esthetician Alexis Savage, owner of Savage Beauty Aesthetics, and Steckert has configured the studio to allow for two additional stylists.
“I’m booked every day. The clients are so excited for everything to be open. To me, it’s a feeling you get when you come here,” she said.
Designed as a family-friendly space, Poppy’s True Market welcomes groups for meetings, arts and crafts and social events.
“The classroom is available for rent by the hour and by the day. If you’d like to host your own art or homeschool class, or a meeting or anything, you’re more than welcome to rent that out. The market hosts two homeschool classes right now,” said Herbert.
“It’s been really great to see everyone come out and support a new business in Bunnell,” said Herbert. “That everybody’s really, really excited about it has probably been the best part.”
Poppy’s True Market is located at 802 E. Moody Blvd, Bunnell. Common areas open Tuesday – Sunday 9 am to 5 pm. Visit Facebook for additional details.
