Spider Lily Finery is a colorful shop on Siesta Drive. The owner, Nicole Theis DeMoss, fills her store with handmade clothes, painted jewelry, unique cards and other creations. The store has a breezy feel that matches its location, and although it's only one room, it is easy to get lost among the interesting custom pieces and trinkets. 

Spider Lily Finery opened in the summer of 2016. It was born out of Theis DeMoss's online store, called Funky Utopia, and her first brick and mortar store in the Village of the Arts. 

“On [the Funky Utopia website], I sold work from more than 30 artists from all over--that led to [opening] the store in Bradenton,” Theis DeMoss says. “I closed the store during the recession, but I always wanted to start it up again. So when I got the chance [to open another store] I went for it.”

For Theis Demoss it is a real passion project. She runs the store and website by herself. She prides herself on selling local products as much as possible. “If I can find it locally, I will get it locally,” she says.

She also focuses on frequently changing up her products. For example, for the past two months, Spider Lily featured vintage home decor; next month's new items will be handmade baby clothes.

“I have a lot of unique, one-of-a-kind items and they seem to do well,” Theis DeMoss says.

She keeps it fresh and new by seeking out new artists all the time. Theis DeMoss looks for people she believes fits the store's style. She also works to provide ethical product options. "We sell manufactured clothing, but we don't sell anything else that's manufactured in the store," she says. "And when we do buy manufactured clothes, we try to stick with U.S.-made items."

Spider Lily Finery takes part in a sip-and-stroll that is hosted by the Southgate Village Plaza shops every second Thursday. And Theis DeMoss hopes to host her own events in the summer, such as Mimosa Mondays for moms.

In short, the store is a great option for finding a special gift or personal piece in a relaxed atmosphere.

“You’re not going to see [these pieces] on someone else, you’re not going to find them somewhere else, and they aren’t in a line that you can go buy. I'm pretty excited about that,” Theis DeMoss says.

Spider Lily Finery is located at 2135 Siesta Drive. For more information, including hours, call (941) 296-1500 or visit spiderlilyfinery.com.