Handpicked Goods

6/1/2020

[Downtown Fargo]

Story by Tracy Nicholson
Photography by M.Schleif Photography

Say "Hello!" to Downtown Fargo's newest boutique, Handpicked Goods. Whether you've come to shop or just browse in bliss, you'll find an enchanting destination designed to get you reacquainted with your happiness. From vintage glassware and decor, to handcrafted pieces and upscale party supplies, Handpicked Goods is a local gem waiting to be discovered. This month, we'll introduce you to the owner, Amanda Rydell, as she gives readers an exclusive glimpse of what's in store!

Read Digital Magazine

Shop Happy

Located next to Twenty Below Coffee in Downtown Fargo, Handpicked Goods is in the sweet spot just in front of their other neighbor and collaborator, Love Always Floral. While last month, the owner, Amanda Rydell, was patiently awaiting her opening, this month, she happily invites patrons into her world of whimsy.

Before she opened, Rydell overhauled the store's space, infusing her own personal style into every wall, floor tile and quaint corner. With a mix of vintage and modern decor, along with bright and pastel color schemes, she quickly transformed a blank canvas into a work of art. Completing the space are new light fixtures and a customized tile floor with a special inset greeting for patrons.

Handpicked Goods, Fargo Boutique, Amanda Rydell, Midwest Nest Magazine

Gathering Goods

"Handpicked Goods started with a vision of focusing on mixing vintage and modern, which eventually led to handpicked items," said Rydell. In fact, every piece in the store is personally "handpicked", a concept that creates a distinct shopping experience.

Inside, wandering is welcomed while you browse the handmade jewelry, take in the aroma from the candle collection, admire the pillow wall, or discover a rare vintage piece you didn't know existed. Grab a selfie on the pink floral wall, or plan the perfect boutique-style birthday. Between the array of eclectic finds, and the wall of blooming plants and clay pots, every colorful space ignites joy. "I think Handpicked Goods is a shop that makes people feel happy right when they walk in," said Rydell.

Handpicked Goods, Downtown Fargo, Fargo Boutique, Amanda Rydell, Midwest Nest

Party Pretty

"The party line is a collection that I really wanted to focus on; providing upscale items that you wouldn't normally find in this area," said Rydell. For Rydell, bringing pretty to the party means offering an array of gathered items like the hand-painted, sustainable cutlery kits, sparkler candles, boutique-style party plates, vintage birthday candles, unique napkins and one-of-a-kind party decor.

Uncommon & Handmade

"Vintage is definitely part of the mix of uncommon items in the store, but I also offer other independent, handmade maker items as well as new pieces," said Rydell. "All the found items came from the Fargo-Moorhead and Minneapolis areas. I think found items are so fun; they're really unique and they make great conversation starters."

The store's design goes full circle with framed graphic art that Rydell custom creates. This is just one of the creative skills she learned with her graphic design degree from The Art Institute of Minneapolis, Minn.

Handpicked Goods, Fargo Boutique, Amanda Rydell, Midwest Nest

Handpicked with Heart

While Rydell grew up in Forest Lake, Minnesota, she's lived in Fargo for the past three-and-a-half years, honing her own version of creativity. "Most of the time I can't believe this store is really happening. It's been a lot of work, but I've had amazing help from friends and family who were by my side helping with projects and encouraging me. Since I was a little girl, I always wanted to own my own shop. I think the hardest part has been overcoming COVID-19. I started the process of opening the store just weeks before the pandemic and it's been challenging, but it's also been nice to be able to take my time creating the store I've always wanted."