Written by Isabella Aranda Garcia & Gia Miller
The magic of craftsmanship. The story behind it all. The journey of discovery. The makers. The creators. The people. That’s what The Shepherd + Co. is all about. Owner Kristin Hemick handpicks and personally tests every product in her shop to ensure each customer walks away with high-quality products they love. Although it’s only been open for a year, The Shepherd + Co. has become the go-to place for meaningful gifts. Not sure what to get for your friend or loved one? Ask Hemick; she’ll show you a variety of unique items from talented makers across the U.S. and beyond that, based on your description, will make the perfect gift.
The Shepherd + Co. also hosts regular events where you can meet some of the local makers whose goods are featured in the shop. These events are also a great way to meet and connect with your neighbors. The Shepherd + Co. also gives back to the local fire department and police station, providing gifts they can enjoy at their stations or monetary donations to their causes.
Did you know?
The shop is a true family affair. Hemick’s older daughter came up with the idea; the name is after Hemick’s “soul dog” and two current Australian Shepherds, and everything Hemick sells has been personally tested by Hemick, her mother and/or her two daughters.
Runner-up: Beehive Designer Collective, Mount Kisco
This article was published in the January/February 2025 edition of Connect to Northern Westchester.
To view all 2025 Connect to the Best winners, click here.
Gia Miller is an award-winning journalist and the editor-in-chief/co-publisher of Connect to Northern Westchester. She has a magazine journalism degree (yes, that's a real thing) from the University of Georgia and has written for countless national publications, ranging from SELF to The Washington Post. Gia desperately wishes schools still taught grammar. Also, she wants everyone to know they can delete the word "that" from about 90% of their sentences, and there's no such thing as "first annual." When she's not running her media empire, Gia enjoys spending quality time with friends and family, laughing at her crazy dog and listening to a good podcast. She thanks multiple alarms, fermented grapes and her amazing husband for helping her get through each day. Her love languages are food and humor.
Isabella Aranda is a designer, writer and social media specialist with an M.A. in emerging media from the New Media Institute at the Grady College of Journalism & Mass Communication. Driven by curiosity and inspired by timeless modern design, she blends creativity and strategy to craft compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
Her expertise spans digital marketing, content creation and UX design, with notable achievements such as co-creating the Georgia On Your Mind podcast and leading digital campaigns that significantly boosted engagement. A Venezuelan immigrant, Isabella brings a multicultural perspective to her work, enhancing her ability to connect with and inspire others.
