By Tracy Sanders, Co-Editor | Tracy@thewoodrufftimes.com
WOODRUFF, SC — Crafty Savvy’s, located on Main Street in Woodruff, is more than just a store—it’s a vibrant community hub where art, creativity, and local craftsmanship thrive. Opened in December 2023 by Savannah Watson, a former Air Force member with a passion for the arts, Crafty Savvy’s offers a unique blend of retail, art classes, and a Boba tea bar.
Savannah Watson’s journey to opening Crafty Savvy’s began after her separation from the Air Force. “Art has always been important to me,” says Watson. “I wanted to create a space where not only I could express my creativity, but where other local artists and artisans could showcase their work.” The idea was inspired by a visit to a gift emporium, which sparked the concept of a store that combines her varied interests—plants, Boba tea, and an art studio—under one roof.
Crafty Savvy’s is home to a diverse range of handmade products, all created by local artisans. “I like to think of the shop as a place for the community to gather and share their own interests and talents,” Watson explains. The selection process for vendors is stringent: all products must be handmade, local to the upstate area, and not in direct competition with other items in the store. This careful curation has resulted in a wide variety of unique goods, from holistic products like creams and fire cider to jewelry, crochet items, soaps, and an array of houseplants.
Each vendor is responsible for rotating their own items, ensuring that the store’s offerings are constantly refreshed. Customers are also encouraged to request specific types of products or vendors they’d like to see featured in the store, with Watson always on the lookout for new artisans to add to the mix.
Crafty Savvy’s isn’t just a place to shop; it’s also a creative space where people can learn new skills. The store offers a variety of art classes, with painting being the most popular. “We’ve also done classes in poetry, goat milk soap, resin, and more,” says Watson. The classes are beginner-friendly, with all materials provided, and are designed to make everyone feel welcome, regardless of their skill level.
For those looking for a more personalized experience, Crafty Savvy’s also hosts birthday parties, girls’ nights, and other special events. “It’s an open studio where, as long as there isn’t a class or event, anyone is welcome to come in and be creative,” Watson adds.
One of the more unique features of Crafty Savvy’s is its Boba tea bar, a personal passion of Watson’s. “I just absolutely love Boba tea,” she admits. The menu offers both fruit teas and milk teas, with a variety of Boba options to choose from. For those with dietary restrictions, most flavors are dairy-free, vegan, and gluten-free, with a couple of sugar-free options available.
Watson is deeply committed to engaging with the local community. Crafty Savvy’s hosts a variety of events, including a craft fair/farmer’s market in the store’s parking lot every third Saturday of the month. There’s also a knitting and crochet group that meets on Tuesdays, and Watson is considering starting a Wednesday Bible study.
Looking to the future, Watson has big plans for Crafty Savvy’s. “I want to upgrade the Boba bar, add smoothies, bring in more baked goods, and expand our artisan inventory,” she says. There are also plans to introduce a gallery wall where local artists can showcase their work on a rotating basis.
Customers can look forward to several exciting events and classes in the coming months. Watson is planning an open house/meet the maker gathering for Saturday, September 14th, complete with samples of tea, coffee, and Boba, along with a charcuterie table. Additionally, a goat milk soap class is scheduled for the end of August, followed by a resin class in September.
Crafty Savvy’s is quickly becoming a beloved fixture in Woodruff, offering a space where creativity flourishes, local artisans shine, and the community comes together. Whether you’re looking to shop, learn, or just enjoy a cup of Boba tea, Crafty Savvy’s has something special to offer.
Author: Tracy Sanders
