Nestled in downtown Sheboygan is the recently opened Honey and Ace. Standing in front of the teal doors, there is definitely more than meets the eye. We met with business owner Jordan Gottsacker to learn more about the single location that houses 3 different business ventures, all with the same goal of bringing out an individual’s artistic voice through interior design services, a retail store and an art gallery/music venue.
Honey and Ace was founded on Gottsacker’s interest in interior design, which is something that has been built into the entrepreneur’s mindset since she was young. “I just remember drawing out floor plans and layouts and I don’t think that’s a normal thing for little girls to be doing. It’s been my hobby to curate different looks and make things look unique.” Jordan credits her parents as having a big influence on her interest. “My mom has a huge eye for design and she is an artist as well. My dad is very into architecture, so they were both very vocal about me bringing that voice out.” With a Bachelor’s degree in interior design, the owner of Honey and Ace has turned her passion at a young age into a career.
Tucked in the back of the Honey and Ace storefront is a studio space where Gottsacker can have discussions with clients about her design services. When asked what sets her apart from other designers, Jordan said “My willingness to listen to what’s realistic for people and finding that practical solution while also giving you something unique and beneficial for your life.” One tool that helps as a common thread for anyone working with a general contractor or architect is her digital renderings, which is a service that helps clients visualize their projects prior to the build phase. It’s also Jordan’s favorite tool in her design toolbox. “The illustrations are something that I really became passionate about during college. I always liked to draw and bring a new perspective to a space. Having that technology and ability is really something that I’ve been working on over the past decade. It’s very beneficial for people to have and experience.” Jordan’s design services are available for projects big and small.
The second part to Honey and Ace takes care of the retail end of interior design. Jordan describes it as a “Lifestyle Store” with a wide variety of personal goods. The retail space features smaller goods, wearables and small decor items for your home. “Curating decor and lifestyle goods is something that I’m always passionate about and I finally have a space to show it in. It’s something that I plan on making fun and exciting for people to walk through the space every couple of weeks.” Supporting local artists is something that Jordan says is built into her personality and business plan. The items sold in Honey and Ace are produced by Sheboygan based artists. “It’s something that I’m very passionate about. Bringing out others voices and seeing what they have to offer and how they can coordinate and collaborate and live together in the same space. I’m always on the hunt for different artists and perspectives in the area.”
The 3rd piece of Honey and Ace, an art gallery/music venue, is something that Gottsacker says she hopes will bring community members together through an artistic voice. “When we first looked at this location, I knew that there was something big that we could do down there and it’s something that’s still evolving and growing.” When asked how she finds the local artists that are featured in the art gallery, Gottsacker said, it’s primarily through word of mouth and good friends. “There’s been a handful of people who have come into the store and introduced themselves and show me pictures on their phone. It’s so cool to see that and see people showing what they have to offer in different ways. Just come into the store and show me what you have. Whether it’s pictures or a physical piece, I’d love to see any visual representation of yourself.” The first event held in the space was during the grand opening of Honey and Ace where 3 different bands were featured. “Right now we have the music venture going on. We’re hoping to parcel in different ideas like bringing in a local DJ and having art supplies out and just having a big art party. I’m sure there will be other things to come.”
As for what customers can expect when walking through the doors of Honey and Ace, Gottsacker says “You’ll find a different experience than what you’re expecting in Sheboygan. We’re hoping to bring in this voice that just says ‘it’s cool who you are, bring who you want to be, no judgment’.”
If you’ve visited the Honey and Ace website or even walked through their store, you’ve probably seen Jordan’s personal motto. We asked Jordan how she helps Sheboygan stay weird? “I feel like that’s my tagline, my motto… I really love when people embrace weird and different qualities about themselves and kind of announce that to the world. It just makes me come alive and pulls a lot of energy out of me, in a positive way, when people let me in on what makes them tick and what makes them who they are. Anything that makes you different from the norm is something that I like to embrace and bring out in your space. Even just walking through my shop you’ll have a conversation with me, hopefully we can chat about something that’s different and not your normal conversation…Embrace who you are”
Honey and Ace is located at 817 New York Ave, Sheboygan. Learn more about Honey and Ace and how Jordan Gottsacker is keeping it local at www.honeyandace.com
