Right outside of downtown Brooklet, Georgia, a remarkable story of faith, art, and community unfolds at The Mustard Seed Shoppe. This unique art shop and gallery has become a hub for local artists and art enthusiasts alike, thanks to the vision and dedication of Melissa Dent, its founder.
Grice Connect's Julianna Leverette had the opportunity to dive into the inspiring journey of Dent, a former art teacher turned entrepreneur, whose faith-driven mission has cultivated a thriving haven for creativity.
Melissa Dent's transition from teaching art to spearheading The Mustard Seed Shoppe in downtown Brooklet is nothing short of a leap of faith. With the support of two other women, Dent has transformed her vision into a vibrant storefront that currently hosts the works of 41 local vendors. These artists, all located within a 100-mile radius—with a significant number coming from Brooklet and neighboring cities such as Statesboro, Guyton, and Savannah—find a shared home for their creations at The Mustard Seed Shoppe.
The inception of The Mustard Seed Shoppe can be traced back to what Dent describes as a divine revelation. The whole thing came to her in a vision, and she thought to herself, “God I’m not the one,” but she did feel called to open the shop. She called this her 'Moses’ moment'.
"The whole experience has been God-driven," Dent recounts. She vividly remembers battling doubts and fears, echoing the sentiments of many who feel unworthy of their calling. "Who me? I was just teaching, working multiple jobs, raising two kids. I said, 'God, you must’ve gotten it wrong.' But it truly is a story of faith," she shares, reflecting on the unexpected path that led her to where she is today.
This journey saw its tangible beginnings in the aftermath of the pandemic, marking the birth of The Mustard Seed Shoppe just a few years ago. Dent's story of how she came to find the location for her business is as miraculous as her initial vision.
She was just driving down the road one day and made a turn she makes every day for her daily commute, and she noticed new construction and first saw where the building of her now current business was being built. And without even seeing much more than the foundation, she says, God revealed to her spirit that was the building from her vision.
This serendipitous discovery led to her securing the rental space in an astonishingly short time, laying the groundwork for what would soon become a beacon of local artistry.
The Mustard Seed Shoppe stands as a testament to the diversity and richness of local talent.
"We have something for every person, truly we do, that’s something I’m really passionate about. Highlighting the variety of styles and pieces and being a space where everyone feels welcome and accepted," Dent explains. The shop features an eclectic mix of art forms, from pottery and metalwork to crochet and woodcarving, ensuring that every visitor discovers a unique treasure.
Dent emphasizes the singular nature of the art available, stating, "There’s treasure in every corner. There’s not really any duplicates. If you buy something from our store, you’re truly walking away with a one of a kind distinct and unique piece of art, made by a local artist who poured their heart, passion, and story into that piece. Any one who is an artist knows, this work truly is like therapy for many of us. It helps us process and heal."
Beyond serving as a marketplace for local art, The Mustard Seed Shoppe has emerged as a vital platform for local, rural artists who previously lacked opportunities to showcase their work. Dent speaks to the transformative power of the shop.
"That was one of the most interesting things to me, part of the testimony to this place, I was shocked by the amount of artists, the amount of credible talent right here, in Brooklet, Georgia of all places, you know, and they just didn’t have the space or the opportunity, but now they do, and they have truly shown up," she shared. "It’s incredible to say, we are Brooklet’s first art gallery open to the public, and though small, like our namesake the Mustard Seed implies, through great faith we are creating a great impact in our community."
Her passion extends to nurturing and empowering local artists, many of whom have never had the chance to present their art and skills to the public.
The community's response to The Mustard Seed Shoppe has been overwhelmingly positive, with the shop continuing to attract artists and customers alike. Dent's vision extends far beyond the present, as she aims to continue fostering a space that welcomes artists of all paths, beliefs, and styles.
"We’re easier to access for most people living in rural communities, and we’re only about 15 minutes from Statesboro. The thing is, once you get here, you’re taken aback by all of the stunning work and unique pieces and stand out art, people will walk around for hours and still find something new each time they turn the corner. We really are a small, hidden treasure in the community, but I know we’re growing, I know this is just the beginning," she states with humble confidence.
At the heart of The Mustard Seed Shoppe's success is a profound sense of gratitude and community. Dent cherishes the relationships she's built with the artists, many of whom have become dear friends.
"Every day I give glory to God for this beautiful opportunity. I am just grateful to be surrounded by artists who are just as passionate about the work as I am. Many of the vendors have become great friends, and that’s point of it, right? To create a community space, to build relationships, and to support one another as we walk through life. And what better way to make those connections than through art.'”
Established on the principles of faith and community support, the shop has successfully provided a platform for local artists to showcase their work, contributing significantly to the cultural richness of the area. Through Dent's initiative, The Mustard Seed Shoppe not only highlights the diversity of local talent but also fosters a sense of community among artists and patrons alike.
As The Mustard Seed Shoppe continues to grow, the establishment serves as a reminder of the importance of supporting local arts as a means of enhancing community life and cultural identity.
The Mustard Seed Shoppe is located at 323 N Cromley Road in Brooklet, Georgia. Currently, the storefront is open Thursday through Saturday, 11am - 6pm. For more information, please call (478) 986-0949.
Brooklet, Georgia is located in Bulloch County Georgia 10 miles east of Statesboro, Georgia.
