Joy Company Market takes buying local to heart.

The general store, which will debut during the Braselton Antique and Artisan Festival on Friday, April 26, holds itself to purchasing a majority of its items from Georgia farmers and artisans.

Julie Joy, who co-owns the business with her husband Dewayne, said that she wanted to have a store where people could feel comfortable about what they’re purchasing.

“It’s fresh and I think people like that,” she said. “People want to know where their food comes from.”

Over the past eight months, Joy and her husband have reached out to artisans and farmers in Georgia to stock the shelves with products such as jelly, wine, ice-cream, produce, craft soda and milk.

Joy said she recently bought 135 pounds of beef from Reynolds Farms in Calhoun. The farm is owned by Mike Reynolds, a U.S. Army veteran.

Other artisans and farmers who already have their goods in Joy’s shop include Sweet Grass Dairy from Thomasville, Rock House Farm from Newborn, Built by Bees from Atlanta and Southern Pawz from Sandersville.

Joy said she chose the location because of its old country store feel and proximity to downtown Braselton. People can find the business on 56 Henry St. right down the road from Braselton Town Hall.

Adding more to the country theme of the store, Joy incorporated rustic elements like unpolished wooden shelves, and chalk-board displays to label where the items come from.

“I hope that this is a place where people can come and feel a little nostalgia, and sit on the porch in a rocking chair,” Joy said.

While Joy and her husband knew they always wanted to open a business together, she said the idea really kicked into motion after she had a revelation.

Joy decided she was tired of sitting in front of a computer, and wanted to find a job that made her eager to wake up in the morning. She had worked for more than 12 years as a graphic designer.

With the shop ready to receive the public, Joy said she feels as though she has more of a purpose in life and is excited to see her business come to fruition.

“I have doubted myself along the way. It’s just good to see that we did it,” she said.

Joy Company Market’s hours are from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m., Tuesday-Saturday and 1-5 p.m. on Sunday. For more information about the business email joycompanymarket@gmail.com or visit its Facebook page.