Our Story

A deep-seated passion for doing “what we love” is the foundation of our story. In April 2024, Kim Castagnetta fulfilled a lifelong dream by purchasing Bittersweet Homestead by Deb Leier in Amery, WI. This dream centered on creating a place where family, friends, and valued customers could come together and find their “Happy Place” to linger and shop. This passion led Kim to Deb, the heart and soul behind Bittersweet Homestead.

For the past 38 years, Deb has dedicated herself to crafting environments that spark excitement, foster community, and offer an unforgettable shopping experience. Her journey began modestly, with a small shop in her home called the Craft Closet. What started in a space no larger than a closet blossomed into a thriving boutique business, fueled by Deb’s love for floral arrangements and unique decor. Alongside her husband, a dedicated St. Paul firefighter, Deb successfully grew her boutique from their home into a flourishing business in Woodbury, MN. After selling the Woodbury location, she brought her passion to Amery, WI, where Bittersweet Homestead Boutique was born. Although Deb is stepping back from ownership, she remains actively involved in creating and curating the experiences that our customers have come to love.

In addition to acquiring Bittersweet Homestead Boutique, Kim and her husband Dave also purchased the 7,500 sq. ft. commercial building that Deb had been leasing. They immediately embarked on a full-scale remodel of the over 50-year-old building, which sits on 1.6 acres in downtown Amery, WI. The new design was crafted with a vision to continue delivering the most unique shopping experience for our loyal customers while expanding into a larger marketplace. This expansion allows us to include businesses and services that complement the boutique, serving both the local community and as a destination for family and friends.

 

Our boutique offers a shopping experience unlike any other!

We hope you find as much joy in “Our Happy Place” as we do.