Penn Hills marketplace helps specialty vendors, crafters thrive during covid pandemic

An indoor marketplace where specialty vendors and crafters can sell their wares sits atop a small hillside overlooking a major roadway in Penn Hills.

Some motorists along Rodi Road might not realize what they’re passing because it’s located on the second floor of Penn Hills Lawn and Garden at the intersection of Rodi and Jefferson roads.

The shop and market are owned by residents Darcy Kennedy and Jayme Visnesky.

One thing that helps the place stand out is the series of mechanical animals perched on the hill across from PNC Bank in the shopping center.

They’re steel goats made from repurposed car hoods.

“They were put there as a joke because Jayme loves goats and kept saying she wanted goats,” Kennedy said. “We put the darn things out there — and wouldn’t you know that everybody wanted them. We never thought anybody would want to buy them, but they became really popular.”

It also inspired the name of their upstairs venture, Steel Goat Marketplace and Gifts.

Visnesky and Kennedy transformed what was the garden center’s gift shop into a 6,000-square-foot facility to support small businesses.

The effort began two years ago after many conversations with entrepreneurs who were unable to build their own brick-and-mortar stores.

“We were going to rent this upper part, but for someone that’s just starting, they can’t afford something this large,” Visnesky said. “We just started welcoming vendors in (with) a little piece of the pie. It really is nice for them because they can afford it and not have a big storefront.”

Participation grew from three vendors to 55 in just two years.

One of the reasons for rapid growth is the pandemic. Covid caused organizers to cancel many craft shows and events.

Susan Freer of Penn Hills is one of the original vendors. She runs Blue House Market Charming Country Crafts, which features a variety of machine- and hand-sewn items such as dolls and wool animals.

“I had originally set up shop there because I had been a customer,” Freer said. “We developed a friendship. I live right down the road, so whenever I needed gardening things I always went there. They gradually started on the upstairs to start this vendor marketplace. It just became increasingly successful.

“They’re just such a friendly group to work with. It makes you feel good when you go in the store. Everyone’s usually happy. People that come in are always looking for something. … It becomes just a joy to see someone buying the things you’ve created.”

Lisa Fitzsimmons of Washington Township joined the market about 18 months ago . She owns Sunset View Acres Farm, which makes organic lip balms and skin products such as goat milk soap and beeswax.

“We ran into another vendor that was starting to get her shop in there,” Fitzsimmons said. “She told us about the place, and we went down to check it out. We thought it was a perfect little niche and perfect market for our products. We talked with them and here we are.

“All of our events were canceled last year, and a lot of them are already canceled this year. Having that marketplace has been amazing for us.”

Other items in the marketplace include greeting cards, customized hats and boxes, refurbished hand-painted furniture, paintings and a paint studio for classes.

Visnesky said creating the marketplace was a lot of fun and fairly easy to do.

There are still a few spots available for crafters. Vendors do not need to be on-site to sell.

“They don’t have to pack up,” Visnesky said. “They just make their beautiful display and leave it here. We do all the selling for them. They just need to update their stuff.”

Kennedy said it has been a joy watching the entrepreneurs thrive.

“We’re not here to collect somebody’s rent,” she said. “We’re really dedicated to their success. We want to see them be able to grow (and) succeed. We get really excited about it.”

The marketplace is open from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays, and Sundays starting in March from noon to 4 p.m.

Between 25 and 30 people visit daily. Main areas and hotspots such as handrails are cleaned hourly, and people have to wear masks while inside the building.

More information is available at pennhillslawnandgarden.com or by calling 412-241-0411.