Today we’d like to introduce you to Kori Smith.
Hi Kori, we’re thrilled to have a chance to learn your story today. So, before we get into specifics, maybe you can briefly walk us through how you got to where you are today?
Walk through the doors of Coconut Barrel – The Artisan Market in St. Augustine, and you’ll quickly realize you’re experiencing something much more than a shopping trip. Every aisle tells a story. Every handcrafted item represents a dream. Every booth belongs to a local artisan who has poured their heart, talent, and creativity into building something meaningful.
With more than 200 local artists and makers under one roof, Coconut Barrel has become First Coast’s largest Artisan Market and is the most unique shopping destinations. Often described as a “brick-and-mortar Etsy,” the market offers everything from handcrafted jewelry, candles, soaps, and pottery to coastal décor, original artwork, furniture, woodworking, gourmet foods, boutique gifts, and one-of-a-kind treasures. But what truly sets Coconut Barrel apart isn’t what you can buy—it’s who you’re supporting with every purchase.
For owner Kori Smith, Coconut Barrel began not as a business plan, but as a calling.
While praying for direction about what was next in life, Kori received what she describes as a clear vision to create a marketplace where local artisans could thrive together. She and her husband had always dreamed of owning a business, but they wanted it to be something that genuinely helped others. That vision became Coconut Barrel.
Although creativity had always been part of Kori’s life—decorating weddings, creating crafts from reclaimed pallet wood, and refinishing furniture—she never envisioned herself opening an artisan market. After trying to sell her own handmade items at outdoor markets, she realized that living with an autoimmune disease made that path difficult. Instead of giving up on the creative community she loved, she decided to build a place where hundreds of artists could succeed together.
That vision has grown into a vibrant community where many vendors have transformed hobbies into successful small businesses. Some have even grown beyond Coconut Barrel and opened storefronts of their own—a success that Kori celebrates as one of the market’s greatest accomplishments.
“Our vendors aren’t just renting space,” Kori often says. “They’re building dreams.”
Each booth is thoughtfully designed by the artisan who owns it, creating the feeling of walking through more than 200 individual boutiques in one location. No two visits are ever the same. Vendors continually introduce new products, redesign their displays, and create seasonal collections, giving customers a fresh experience every time they visit.
From the moment guests walk through the doors, they’re welcomed by colorful displays, the aroma of handmade candles and soaps, and a warm, inviting atmosphere that reflects the passion of the people behind each product. It’s a place where shoppers can slow down, browse, discover hidden treasures, and meet the makers behind the items they purchase.
Community has always been at the heart of Coconut Barrel.
Beyond shopping, the market hosts craft workshops, artist demonstrations, seasonal celebrations, and special events that bring people together while supporting local businesses. Whether someone is learning to paint, create resin art, make wreaths, or simply enjoying one of the many community events throughout the year, Coconut Barrel has become a gathering place where creativity and connection flourish.
The mission has remained the same since day one: to offer customers an exceptional selection of handcrafted products while inspiring them to support local artists and small businesses. Looking ahead, Coconut Barrel plans to continue expanding its educational workshops, community events, and opportunities for artisans to grow their businesses.
Today, Coconut Barrel stands as more than an artisan market. It is a place where creativity is celebrated, entrepreneurs are encouraged, and every purchase has a personal impact.
When customers choose to shop at Coconut Barrel, they aren’t simply buying a gift or decorating their home. They’re supporting a local family, encouraging an artist to keep creating, helping a small business grow, and investing in the creative spirit of their community.
In a world filled with mass-produced products, Coconut Barrel reminds us that the most meaningful things are still made by hand—and with heart.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Not at all. Like any small business, we’ve had our share of challenges. We had to navigate through COVID, which changed the way people shopped almost overnight. Now, one of our biggest challenges is competing with the convenience of online shopping.
But instead of seeing those challenges as roadblocks, we’ve learned to adapt. We’re constantly looking for ways to pivot, create new experiences, and give people a reason to visit us in person. Whether it’s hosting unique events, introducing new programs, or finding fresh ways to support our artisans, we’re always asking ourselves, “What can we do next?”
At the end of the day, people don’t just come to Coconut Barrel to buy something—they come for the experience. They come to discover talented local artisans, connect with our community, and fall in love with shopping local. That’s what keeps us moving forward, and that’s what makes every challenge worth overcoming.
Thanks for sharing that. So, maybe next you can tell us a bit more about your work?
For most of my career, I worked as an Executive Assistant, supporting executives and learning every aspect of running successful businesses. I was fortunate to work alongside incredible mentors who taught me about leadership, operations, problem-solving, marketing, and the importance of building strong relationships.
Those experiences gave me the confidence and knowledge to take a leap of faith and open Coconut Barrel. While I may not have started as an artist myself, I recognized a need in our community—a place where local artisans could showcase their talents and grow their businesses.
Today, I’m most proud of creating a space where hundreds of local artisans have the opportunity to sell their work, pursue their passion, and connect with customers who appreciate handmade products. What sets Coconut Barrel apart is that we’re more than just a store. We’re a community. We celebrate creativity, support small businesses, and create an experience that brings people together. Seeing our artisans succeed and watching customers discover something unique every time they visit is what makes all the hard work worthwhile.
What would you say have been one of the most important lessons you’ve learned?
One of the most important lessons I’ve learned is not to let difficult seasons consume me. Running a business comes with highs and lows, and I’ve learned that worrying doesn’t change the outcome.
Instead, I’ve learned to pray, trust God’s plan, and keep moving forward with faith. Time and time again, I’ve found that even when things don’t go the way I expected, they often work out better than I could have imagined. Those experiences have taught me to be patient, stay positive, and trust that every challenge is preparing me for what’s next.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://www.coconutbarrel.com
- Instagram: coconut_barrel
- Facebook: coconutbarrel
