What began with a small hobby laser during a difficult time in Michelle Lundquist’s life has grown into Rustic Ruby Decor & More, a Bushnell gift shop, custom décor business and DIY studio built around creativity and community.

“My dad always had a woodworking shop,” Michelle says. “I grew up with him in his woodshop, just tinkering and making things.”

In 2020, her stepmom passed away and her dad entered palliative and hospice care. Michelle moved in to care for him as the COVID-19 pandemic changed daily life for families everywhere.

“I bought my first hobby laser during COVID to add some quality of life for him,” she says. “One thing led to another and I started a business and haven’t slept since.”

Michelle initially operated Rustic Ruby from home before moving to Ancon Avenue in Webster and finally landed at an early 20th century historic Florida home that now serves as a storefront at Bushnell. The business offers laser engraving and cutting, custom home décor, one-of-a-kind gifts and personalized pieces for many of life’s milestones.

The name is personal, too. Rustic Ruby honors Michelle’s maternal grandmother, Ruby, with whom she shared a close relationship.

Much of Michelle’s custom work is rooted in sentimentality. She can transfer handwriting and photographs onto keepsakes and create pieces incorporating baby footprints. Elaborate nursery décor, wedding pieces and custom cake toppers are among the shop’s offerings. Her mother also creates custom earrings from wood and acrylic.

The business was also named Sumter County’s No. 1 place to buy a gift in a Readers’ Choice competition.

Michelle wanted the storefront to become more than a place to shop.

“It was big on my heart to have a gathering place,” she says.

The DIY studio gives children, families and groups a place to make projects, learn and, most importantly, get messy. Rustic Ruby hosts classes, paint parties, birthday parties and gatherings for friends, families and church groups.

The evidence of those gatherings is right on the tables, where layers of spilled paint have become part of the studio.

“It’s covered in paint which they can’t do at home,” Michelle says. “They love the concept.”

Michelle also wanted Rustic Ruby’s growth to create opportunities for other small businesses. Different rooms throughout the “gift house” feature work from local artisans, makers and vendors, creating a collection of handmade and locally produced items under one roof.

The shop has also begun hosting community events, including Market & Mingle gatherings that bring local vendors and shoppers together.

For Michelle, the paint-covered tables may say more about Rustic Ruby than anything on the shelves. They are evidence of birthday parties, family projects, church groups and friends who have gathered there to make something together.

Rustic Ruby Decor & More is located at 1770 W County Road 48 in Bushnell. For more information, call 352.593.6391 or visit rusticrubydecor.com.

Photos by Gina Horan