The Wells County Chamber of Commerce staff and Ambassadors celebrated a ribbon cutting ceremony for the owners of Downtown DIY, Ryan and Keri Stahly. Downtown DIY is located at 211 West Market Street in Bluffton. Downtown DIY is an instructor-led, hands-on, DIY workshop where individuals will create a one-of-a-kind, personalized, project for their home or office.
Ryan and Keri were interested in starting a business and wanted something to bring people together. They both felt that a business, such as a DIY workshop, would be perfect in Wells County and hopefully draw people to visit here. “We had experienced businesses similar to this and felt it would be perfect. We took the idea and put our plan together and here we are,” stated Keri.
There was very little that needed to be done to get the space ready. “The space was a former clothing boutique and we mainly did some cosmetic changes by painting the walls, hanging trim, and flattened out the walls,” said Keri. “All of the tables and stools are built from scratch and can be easily moved around. The middle room is designed for the kid’s workshops and drying room.”
Downtown DIY has a wide variety of project sizes, shapes and designs ranging from farmhouse chic, holidays, events, and personalized projects for the family. Workshop projects are selected online to schedule, which shows different options that are available. Keri explains that once you have scheduled your workshop and arrive at your designed date and time, the materials are all laid out and ready to go for creating.
“There are different instructors that will help guide people through the process of turning a simple piece of wood into a beautiful creation,” said Keri. “The instructor will help with the painting, staining, and distressing of the project to give the desired look. We have had people tell us they hate crafting, or they are bad at it, but we will help you. Our goal is for your project to be something you want to show off when completed. Very few ever walk out with disappointed projects and absolutely enjoy the experience.”
Workshops are scheduled for Friday evenings, Saturday, and Sunday afternoons. Workshops can be selected by going online at www.downtowndiy.com. Private workshops can be scheduled for groups of 10 or more people. “We can schedule a workshop that will generally work around your schedule as instructors are available for most times,” Keri stated. “We are working on our alcohol permit to offer wine slushies for parties. The men have requested a TV should be on the wall to show sporting events; therefore, one is getting installed.”
With groups of 10 or more people, full-size projects will take approximately three hours. Smaller or mini workshops will be two hours. “Youth workshops are available for five years of age and above, which run an hour and a half,” explained Keri. “We can accommodate youth clubs and organizations but ask that the parents or chaperones stay to help assist with the kids.”
“We welcome birthday celebrations, bachelorette parties, showers, or team building experience,” Keri said. “This is a fun experience for any level and once people get here and get started, it goes fast. Come in and check it out, I think you will have a great time.”
