When Jennie Sykes relocated her family and business, Porcelain Classics, to Hastings, Michigan, about five years ago, the building she purchased had more space than her 28-year-old porcelain dollmaking and repair business needed. She wanted to expand her current business while also showcasing her love for antiques and vintage items, but the name “Porcelain Classics” didn’t fit the new retail space. Thus, Bee Eclectic Studio and Emporium was born.
“Bees are symbols of community and hard work, both of which I wanted to showcase in this expansion,” Sykes said. “Bee Eclectic offers vintage, antique, and artisan wares while also taking advantage of classroom space to teach various classes, including dollmaking, porcelain painting, canvas and furniture painting, needle felting, macrame, and other crafts. An Open Craft Night makes the classroom available to the community, free of charge, every Wednesday night. This event allows people of all ages to bring current crafts in and have a safe place to gather and learn from each other.
“Bee Eclectic Studio and Emporium and Porcelain Classics complement each other perfectly to expand the love of both antique and new dolls to people of all ages, while also demonstrating our team’s professional repair and restoration abilities. We strive to preserve history, encourage people to tell their family stories through their collections, and encourage creativity no matter what direction it goes. Most importantly, we plan to continue pursuing fun and enjoyment every day!”
