In her early twenties, Stefanie Buysse promised herself that she would have her own store one day. She sort of chose an age arbitrarily for the goal.
Thirty-five, she said.
As she grew into adult life, Stefanie could have made justifications for taking a different direction. She is a happy mother of three with an interior design business, but like most passionate people, the muse is never far away — even if there are lulls.
Two days before Stefanie turned 35, she signed a lease at 422 W. Seventh St. in Mishawaka.
Since 2007, this has been the home of Art + Elements.
The shop is a vibrant gem with the front portion dedicated to showcasing an array of sterling and copper jewelry pieces, etched metal panels and other eclectic works, most of which Stephanie creates herself. A paint-splattered worktable that was originally used by her cabinet-maker grandfather looks perfectly at home in her studio.

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