Brookhaven native Kathy Nix has turned her passion of sharing and teaching art into a profitable venture.

Located at 115 West Cherokee St. in Brookhaven, Lemanedi Arts and Interiors sells paintings, pottery, jewelry, soaps and pictures. The store also offers art lessons and serves as an event venue. Lemanedi opens its wrought-iron doors to the public Thursdays and Fridays from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m, and Saturdays from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Nix said the focus of her store from the beginning was to carry Mississippi-made, handcrafted products and teach art lessons. The products in Nix’s store come from the minds and hands of artists from Hattiesburg, Ridgeland, Madison and Brandon, as well as local artists like Rosemary Leggett and Cheri Langston.

Since its opening in November 2012, Lemanedi Arts and Interiors has also served as an event venue housing wedding rehearsals, wedding receptions, class reunions and other parties. Nix said events have become a big part of the business there.

Nix, who is an artist herself, said she started the store because she felt Brookhaven needed a place like Lemanedi. Nix said she majored in art and studied at Mississippi State University before receiving a degree from The University of Southern Mississippi. After that she taught art at the Brookhaven Recreational Department for five years before spending nine more years as an art teacher at Brookhaven Academy.

After that, she decided to open Lemanedi, a store that incorporated the studio feel and offered art lessons.

“Teaching’s something I’ve done all my life,” Nix said. Nix teaches art lessons during summer to children ages 7 to 14. She said they learn drawing skills, design, color, painting, mixed media and three-dimensional mediums.

Nix will be offering a new set of classes starting in May and will continue twice a month through the summer. Those interested in registering their children should call Nix at 601-754-2993.

“I have found that people are looking for quality, artisan-made products,” Nix said about the driving force behind what the store offers the Brookhaven area.

Lemanedi also offers a bridal registry and customizable invitations. Nix plans to start offering beignets and coffee while the store is open as well as lunches on Thursdays and Fridays.