Downtown Farmington Business Expands to Showcase Michigan-Made Artisans

What started as a place for Jason Stoops to make his soy candles has grown into something the Farmington Hills resident never anticipated. 

Jason and his wife, Lisa, own The Scented Bean, which opened this past summer in the basement of downtown Farmington's historic Village Mall at Grand River and Farmington Road. When they moved upstairs to gain visibility, Jason spoke with three artisans who asked if he would be willing to sell their products. 

"In one week, we had 23 artisans committed to come on board with us," he said, "all with Michigan-made, handmade products." 

Through ads on Craigslist.com and other connections, the Stoops pulled in artisans from as far away as Traverse City, offering everything from polished Petoskey stones to furniture covered with maps of Michigan. 

"It's so cool to see all the different talent," said Jason, who has been mounting shelves and hanging art in the first floor space that's now just inside the mall's front door.

Prophetic artists Pamela Jones of Farmington Hills said she appreciates having a place to sell her acrylic paintings, which she said reflect the spiritual visions that come to her. Jones, who has never had formal training, picked up a set of acrylic paints while she was caring for her ailing mother. She has been painting and selling her work since 2008. 

"I hate that adage 'starving artist'," she said. "I don't intend to be one."

A grand re-opening of The Scented Bean and new Michigan Made Artist Marketplace is planned Dec. 7, during downtown Farmington's Holly Days celebration, with giveaways, refreshments and music. Jason said he plans to bring in his keyboard and will be selling copies of his first CD. 

"I never even thought about doing something like this," he said. "When we started, we were just all about selling my candles."