About Us

     

Artesana opened the Fall of 1967 in Pensacola, Florida by Marian and Ralph Kinser. They sold an assortment of fine, eclectic gifts including the famous wooden plates! After 18 years of running the business, they sold it to their niece, Robin Jennings Carr. Robin expanded the store and even offered cooking classes to demonstrate all the cooking utensils she sold. At the time, I was working at the store and fell in love with the history and charm. 

I had the opportunity to purchase Artesana in 2003. I was very young, had a lot of energy and a lot to learn. One of my early goals was to take the store in new directions which meant introducing the store outside of the Pensacola area. So I decided to take Artesena on the road, with the help of my mom and husband! We traveled to Jackson, Mississippi and Birmingham, Alabama to the Junior League shows and gained an entirely new group of customers. In 2009, I had twin boys, and the traveling stopped. However, it gave me the chance to introduce new lines of children's merchandise. In 2015, I had a baby girl and the children's area expanded even more! 

I love helping customers pick out the perfect gift! I have a great time helping brides select just the right place setting and accessories for their new life together! I enjoy every aspect of running a business even down to the book-keeping and accounting! Can you believe that? 

I grew up in Nashville, Tennessee where I attended an all-girls high school. I actually was first inspired during my teen years to own my own business and always felt confident that one day I would. After high school, I went to the University of Alabama (Roll Tide!) where I met my husband and followed him home to Pensacola, Florida. I have loved seeing Pensacola grow since I have been here. It was great 20 years ago and just seems to improve with time.

We love our visitors from all over…we have customers who get off the plane and come straight to Artesana. We couldn't do what we do without the support of amazing customers like you! It is such a treat to come to work every day...I genuinely LOVE what I do. Hope to see you soon at Artesana!

Josephine