'Shop of Shops' opens up market place for small businesses

Seguin, TX - Downtown Seguin’s new addition isn’t just an ordinary storefront.

The Seguin Market or as its owner Bridgette Zertuche calls it “the shop of shops,” recently opened its doors at 106 E. Court St., as a spot where artisans and craftsmen can showcase their goods.

“Seguin Market is a unique venue in downtown Seguin that has 12 shops within a shop. The majority of it is all things Texas and local,” Zertuche said. “We want to make sure artisans and craftsmen that are in small business have the opportunity to open their own brick and mortar shop without having to carry the burden of the initial startup costs that it would normally be.”

Upon entering the shop, customers are welcomed by a few Texas knickknacks before entering a hallway that leads to different rooms, where each individual shop is located.

“In there they will find the most amazing handcrafted and specialty items that are colloquial to our area,” Zertuche said.

On the first stop, visitors can check out the Texas Tea Room, which houses an array of fine china.

“It is everything tea. Now the tea hasn’t arrived yet, but all the china has. We’re actually going to be having tea with crumpets and all once a month. The first three are already booked,” Zertuche said.

Across the way is the Broken Antler, a veteran-owned business from Converse.

“Broken Antler is a combat veteran who not only cuts down the tree, mills the wood and creates everything from antler mounts to crosses that are inlaid with turquoise,” Zertuche said.

Broken Antler also creates duck callers and handcrafted wood tables. After stopping by Broken Antler, customers can check out CG Creations.

“They are an amazing couple that creates entryway signs. Their intent is to always make your front door a warm and welcoming environment for your guests and family,” Zertuche said. “Everything they make is from new product and many times it’s distressed (wood) to give that vintage look.”

Some other finds at Seguin Market also include stain glass pieces made by Seguin resident Brenda Moore and home decor items from the Rustic Pearl and Designs by Fletch.

“I believe something has value when it comes with a story behind it. When you make a craft there is always a story behind it,” Seguin Market General Manager and Bridgette Zertuche’s son, Luke Zertuche said. “It has the craftsman’s blood, sweat and tears in it … It’s not just another random product that comes from an assembly line. It’s something that someone birthed and gave life to right here in our city and state.”

The opening of Seguin Market comes nearly five months after Bridgette brought her resale shop, Funky Monkey, to the downtown area.

“This is a vision that has unfolded mainly because it was brought to us and then we prayed about it and decided it was a go,” Bridgette said. “We definitely take pride in our city and state. We did always want a venue where we could showcase that and being in a vintage market it could be done on a very minimal basis. But by opening up the Seguin Market we were now put in a position we could truly showcase our patriotism.”

Seguin Market is open from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Monday through Friday and 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.

Valerie Bustamante is a staff writer for the Seguin Gazette. You can e-mail her at valerie.bustamante@seguingazette.com.

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