Slideshow: Gather Waco shows community the art of hospitality

Nestled between two Waco shops lies the art of hospitality.

Well, that's what Sara and Jonathan Martin hope to show in their new shop, which opened Oct. 7.

The shop stands between Wildland Co. and Waco Escape Rooms, located at 719 Washington Avenue near the bustling life of downtown Waco.

The store brings in brightness, with large windows showcasing a dining room table, bookshelves filled with home items and local artisans' work.

The inviting warmness of the shop is exactly what Martin and her husband want to show the community.

"Two years ago, we started thinking, how could we have our own retail space," Sara said.

The Martins, both Baylor University alumni, work in different Waco businesses as well. Jonathan creates artwork at Black Oak Art, and Sara plans events with Kindred Event Studio. Gather is the union of the two, serving as a combination of "[Jonathan's] functional art and my love of entertaining" Sara said.

The storefront, two years in the making, showcases both pottery and glassware, utensils and entertainment - all necessary for a night of entertaining guests or even for family. Several products in the store are locally made, such as the pottery featured in shelves and the linen hung on walls.

"I think we bring...quality, locally made goods in a more modern aesthetic," Sara said.

The products are also beautifully arranged, driving the mission of the store, to bring everything to customers in order to entertain at home.

As for the location, it's a perfect fit for Sara and the store.

"I really wanted to be in Washington [Avenue], a place that's been pretty vacant and not pretty for a lot of years...making something that wasn't beautiful, beautiful is my passion," said Sara.

All in all, the Martins hope to bring together friends, family and bring in a sense of tightly-knit community.

In the future, the store hopes to host events and workshops such as water coloring, jam making, calligraphy, wine-tasting among other possibilities.

Between inspiring the idea of entertaining guests at home, Gather also wants to give "local artisans a chance to collaborate."

You can find all of the products and more information about Gather on their website.