Passion Play: Coconut Barrel, “The Artisan Market”

By Monika Bernthal

The idea of the Coconut Barrel came alive when Kori Smith was searching for a place in St. Augustine to sell her crafts. Kori had been successfully selling her handcrafted jewelry boxes made from wooden pallets at an outdoor market, but her auto-immune disease wasn’t cooperating with that plan.

Feeling deflated, Kori Smith was praying for direction on what was next in life. She and her husband, Steve, had always wanted to start a business that would help others but had been unable to pinpoint what that business would be. Then, while driving around Kori received a clear vision to open a craft mall. What better way to marry her own passion as a maker while helping hundreds of artists, crafters and designers grow their businesses? And so, Coconut Barrel, “The Artisan Market” was born.

Nearing their two-year anniversary, Coconut Barrel offers customers a unique selection of handcrafted products, inspiring them to buy from local artists and embrace new trends with convenience. Coconut Barrel features more than 200 vendors who offer anything from hand-painted gifts, outdoor décor, handmade jewelry, unique furniture, artisan-crafted treasures, handcrafted home furnishings to locally-made gourmet foods, sauces and seasonings.

“We strive to display and support the diverse talent we are surrounded by locally in St. Augustine,” Kori explained. Coconut Barrel’s artisans design their space as their own storefront within the 9,000-square-foot warehouse located on US 1. Coconut Barrel encourages vendors to express their style, personalities and passions through their customized space providing customers a unique hands-on buying experience.

But Coconut Barrel is quickly growing into more than just an incredible store. They are regularly offering new art and craft classes, and creating new outdoor events. Be sure to follow them on Facebook to find out about all of their upcoming classes and events.

Or course, Kori and Steve are thrilled with the success of Coconut Barrel. But more than anything, Kori said, “We are so passionate and blessed to be able to live out this vision.”