The Magic of Gypsy Willow

Portrait photos by Louis Columbus Photography

The Alchemist of the Salt and Soul

Kristi Kirkland comes from salt.

Born in Bay County and raised in the White City/Port St. Joe area, her father and grandfather owned a general store called Kirk’s Mercantile that also sold bait and tackle to the local fishermen in the area. Her father, an avid fisherman himself, bought a shrimp boat after the store was forced to close due to road improvements in the area. So much of Kristi’s childhood was defined by the rhythms of the water and the rugged independence of the people who worked it. For nearly two decades, she worked at the Bay County utility department, enjoying the stability of steady pay, benefits and a retirement plan. But while her days were spent in the administrative world, her weekends belonged to the "salty" air of Apalachicola, where she worked at "Riverlily," a boutique that mirrored the historic, walkable, and nautical soul she loved.

It was there, among the slow pace of a coastal town, that the "free spirit" within her dreamed of having her own boutique someday. Then, on January 31, 2023, Kristi left the stability of working for the county and three days later, on February 3rd, she opened the doors to Gypsy Willow in St. Andrews.

The Aquarius Vibe: Life as Art Kristi does not hide who she is. She describes herself as an Aquarius—a sign known for being independent, original, and a little bit "weird." But for Kristi, "weird" isn't an insult; it’s a credential.

"I like St Andrews because it's a little weird," It’s motto is even: Weird, Independent and Proud.

One of the major influences in how Kristi views life is from a quote she likes by Helena Bonham Carter,

“I think everything in life is art. What you do. How you dress. The way you love someone, and how you talk. Your smile and your personality. What you believe in., and all your dreams. The way you drink your tea. How you decorate your home. Or party. Your grocery list. The food you make. How your writing looks. And the way you feel. Life is art.” - Helena Bonham Carter

Her approach to business is driven by a belief that "life is art." Gypsy Willow was created in this image. It is not a store built on corporate planograms or focus groups. It is a space assembled by instinct, where items are placed together not because they fit a category, but "because it belongs."

A Sanctuary for the "Wild Cards" Step inside 1310 Beck Avenue, and you are stepping into Kristi’s mind. The air is thick with the scent of high-quality incense and sage. The soundtrack is likely classic rock. The walls serve as a manifesto, adorned with portraits of the shop’s spiritual patrons: Jimi Hendrix for untamed creativity, Bob Dylan for introspection, Stevie Nicks for grounded mysticism, and Jim Morrison for poetic edge.

While the shop offers an array of crystals, antiques, and candles, clothing is Kristi’s true specialty. Her racks are filled with vintage-inspired pieces that act as wearable art—from flowing kimonos to bell bottoms. Yet, true to her belief in unity consciousness, her ultimate goal is to have something for everyone. Whether it is a husband enjoying the music in the "husband chair," a conservative dresser looking for a simple denim piece, or a wild spirit seeking lace tights, Kristi ensures that every soul who enters feels welcome.

"I’m not here for the person who wants to walk into a room and blend in," she admits of her core style. She wants the person who wants to be seen.

At Home in the Salty St Andrews: Kristi feels a magnetic pull to St. Andrews because it mirrors her own spirit. She sees the town as a place of survivors—a community that was bypassed by the railroad, ignored by the port authority, and turned into a "ghost town" when the Hathaway Bridge siphoned traffic to the beach. What remained was a gritty, authentic enclave of independent business owners who, like Kristi, valued authenticity over mass appeal.

She fits perfectly into this walkable village, bringing a "bohemian" and "hippie" aesthetic that feels right at home among the historic oaks and bay views. Her curation of vintage and new clothing, antique furniture, and metaphysical crystals bridges the gap between the town's history and its creative future.

Feeling Like Family The result of this alchemy is a shop that feels less like a retail establishment and more like a gathering place. Kristi acts as a personal stylist for her guests, using her intuitive sense of fashion to help women find the pieces that make them feel empowered.

Her customers feel the difference. Reviews paint a picture of a space that is "enchanting" and "magical."

• "You will walk in and automatically feel like family," says one customer. "You feel like a million dollars when you leave this boutique!"

• Another writes, "Just walking inside brings a feeling of peace and comfort. It's one shop I love accompanying my wife to."

Gypsy Willow is more than a store; it is a declaration that being "weird" is a virtue. It is a place where a portrait of Jimi Hendrix watches over a rack of velvet and lace, and where a free-spirited Aquarius has found her true home in the salty, independent heart of St. Andrews.