It’s been a few years since the old Radio Shack building at 152 W Mesquite Blvd. had life within it, and now, it’s as far away from holding technology as humanly possible.JessiesPlace-10-22-15-01 JessiesPlace-10-22-15-03

And that’s a good thing. For the first time, Mesquite has its own Co-Op to sell hand made items, whether they be crocheted blankets, beanie hats or wooden signs with quirky statements. Jessie’s Place is now the place to be for that one of a kind item, perfect for any occasion.

The idea is that people, local crafters, rent out wall or booth space within the building to sell their items. Everyone marks their own prices with what they want and restock their items as needed.

The store’s owner, Jessica Meierhoff, was inspired by her grandmother, Jessie Lee, who was a prominent community member and loved to make crafts.

“My mom, sisters and I talked about doing this for a long time. We just decided to go ahead and do it,” she said. “I’m not very crafty, but I love to buy it.”

Meierhoff mentioned that she was really pushed into it when her grandfather, Bill Lee, recently passed away. While the family was going through his things, they found a lot of Jessie’s items that were half finished and tucked away. “We still have so much of her crafts.”JessiesPlace-10-22-15-02

Another thing that will keep the Co-Op fresh and desirable for customers is the unique inventory it will provide. “The inventory will be constantly changing,” she said. “We’re hoping to target some of the visitors in town as well.”

For now, Meierhoff says that she’s running the store on a ‘trial period’ through the end of the year, to see how the business fares with the community. If it proves to be successful, then she said she will invest in permanent signage and go from there.

Right now, with the trial period, the store is open variable hours, although  definitely closed on Sundays. For current information, call 702-205-2427 or stop by.

There will be a Grand Opening party this Saturday, Oct. 24 from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m. with free hot dogs from 11 a.m. – 1 p.m. Stop by and see Mesquite’s newest custom shop.