In the vibrant community of St. Pete Beach, Florida, the Corey Ave. Art & Craft Festival stands as a beacon for local artisans and entrepreneurs. This event, held along Corey Avenue, is more than just a weekend sales opportunity; it is a lifeline for small business owners who have turned their passion projects into full-time careers.
From Service to Sustainability
One such entrepreneur is Davyd Fedotenko of North Port Apiary. After serving in the Air Force and working in structural manufacturing, Fedotenko joined his father’s beekeeping business. Now, he travels across the region, selling honey and bee-related products while educating the public about the critical role of pollinators. Fedotenko emphasizes the importance of festivals like Corey Ave., stating, “It’s important because it helps local makers instead of just big business. It helps us continue helping the bees and raising awareness.”
Crafting New Careers
Alecia Peck, owner of Red’s Shadow, found her calling in art after a career setback during the COVID-19 pandemic. Having worked in the restaurant and medical fields, she turned to creating resin keychains and eventually specialized in flower preservation. Today, preserving wedding bouquets and crafting custom resin artwork is her full-time pursuit. Peck attributes her success to the pride she takes in her work, stating, “My passion comes from my heart. If my name goes on it, it’s going to be as close to perfect as I can make it.”
Building Community Connections
For many artists like Christopher Mize, the festival provides invaluable face-to-face interactions with customers. Mize, who has held numerous jobs before finding his path as a full-time artist, believes that these events allow him to reach new audiences while doing what he loves. “I always wanted to be an artist,” Mize shared. “Although I had 16 different jobs, I finally figured it out. It’s what God intended for me to do.”
The festival is not just about selling products; it is about sharing stories, building relationships, and garnering the support needed to sustain these small businesses year-round. As Peck notes, resilience is key in this line of work. “Some days are great, some weekends are wonderful, and some not so good,” she said. “You have to have tough skin.”
For the artists and entrepreneurs lining Corey Avenue, the festival is a testament to the power of pursuing one’s passion. It serves as a reminder that with dedication and community support, dreams can indeed become livelihoods. The next Corey Ave. Art & Craft Festival is scheduled for October 3rd and 4th, offering another opportunity for local makers to connect with their community.
Original reporting: Tampa Bay Florida News (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
