SECOND NATURE

SECONDNAT URE

A N A P P R E C I AT I O N F O R T H E O U T D O O R S C O M E S NAT U R A L LY F O R J E A N L A R S O N A N D H E R S H O P, T H E W I N D I N G D E E R PATH

By Louise Treeny | Photos provided by the Winding Deerpath

At the Winding Deerpath, the door is always open, both literally and figuratively. Jean Larson’s nature-inspired gift and decor shop started in 2019 with five artisans. Now, a location change and pandemic later, the shop hosts about 30 artists’ wares, all with ties to

nature. “It’s really a unique shop. She’s got a wonderful concept,” says Jennifer Echert, founder of BerkanaWay and one of the original five artisans. Her line of BerkanaKare skincare products can be found at the Winding Deerpath. Larson and her family — her parents and siblings, and now her husband and children — have fostered a lifelong appreciation for nature. A Sycamore native, Larson remembers walking a path that they referred to as the “winding deer path,” which inspired the name of her store later in life. “I want people to be able to bring nature into their home,” she says. Located off Geneva’s Third Street and often letting in a gentle breeze from the outdoors, the Winding Deerpath changes its offerings seasonally. There’s always something new, including nature photography, woodworking, paintings, ceramics, natural products like coffee and tea, handmade jewelry, home decor and florals. Larson creates the wreaths and arrangements herself, a skill she honed over 15 years as a florist. Dan Armentrout is a painter who sells originals and prints at the shop. He appreciates Larson’s eye for bringing in “things that make people feel ‘wow,’” he says. Armentrout creates his paintings on a variety of canvas sizes with the goal of making art accessible for everyone. That’s a goal of Larson’s for the shop — you can find a gift or item for your home at virtually any price point. The store is a true destination, especially as the holidays approach. Another goal is to add in classes and demonstrations. Artists’ techniques, environmental topics and Native American history are all on the table; stay tuned on the company’s social media for dates starting in early 2023. As you browse the Winding Deerpath, you’ll notice short bios of every artist, most of whom are local. “I like that she’s constantly looking for new artists to support,” Echert says. Larson is knowledgeable about her vendors and thankful for the teamwork of her employees, who come together to appreciate the variety of flora and fauna available to us through nature. “We care about each other,” she says. “I just really love this shop.”

 THE WINDING DEERPATH 316 Franklin St., Geneva 630-618-7608 www.windingdeerpath.com