FORT PIERCE — From locally made gifts to Fort Pierce-themed keepsakes, Sunshine State of Mind Boutique gives residents a place to celebrate home and visitors a way to take a little of it with them.

Sunshine State of Mind opened in early June on Second Street, offering Fort Pierce souvenirs, locally made works of art and Florida-inspired apparel and gifts.

The boutique is a passion project for Kim Brant, who has worked in downtown Fort Pierce for many years. She spent 10 years at the Original Tiki Bar and has worked at Cobbs Landing for the past five years.

Brant said she saw the need for a shop dedicated to showcasing the city’s charm and character.

“Every town around us has something like that,” she said, mentioning the Shell Bazaar in Port St. Lucie as an example.

“I just wanted to share how amazing Fort Pierce is. It seems that there’s always been a bit of a cloud over the town, but I think it’s really a paradise!,” Brant added.

Sunshine State of Mind offers a unique collection of Fort Pierce souvenirs, ranging from T-shirts and sweatshirts to locally made jewelry and woodwork, reflecting the city and Florida lifestyle.

One wall features a shelf labeled “Locals Only,” showcasing work by local artists and crafters.

Brant said she keeps all the vendors as local as possible. She even designs most of the shirts and sweatshirts herself.

While this is her first endeavor as a business owner, she said “everything is figure-outable.”

The shop is a family affair. Her husband, Chris, and their children help so Brant can continue working at Cobbs Landing.

Brant said customer feedback has been positive since the store opened.

Local resident Miranda Talley discovered Sunshine Boutique on TikTok

“I thought it looked super cute, so I had to come check it out,” she said, looking over the display of refrigerator magnets for something to add to her collection.

Just a few weeks after opening, Sunshine State of Mind Boutique is attracting residents and visitors looking for keepsakes that capture the spirit of Fort Pierce.

For Brant, the shop is an opportunity to highlight the city she loves while giving local artists and makers a place to showcase their work.

As downtown Fort Pierce continues to grow, she said she hopes Sunshine Boutique will become another stop that encourages people to discover and appreciate what this unique community has to offer.

Sunshine State of Mind Boutique is at 102 N. 2nd St., Unit B, Fort Pierce.