The Artisan House by Struthers & Co. 

Crafting and creativity in downtown Lockhart

By Anthony Collins

LPR Editor                                                         

     Downtown Lockhart has long been known for its barbecue and its historic charm, and is also a hub for great creativity. At the heart of this movement is The Artisan House by Struthers & Co., a cozy and welcoming shop owned by Ryan and Leigha Struthers, located inside one of the city’s most treasured landmarks: the historic Albert Brock Building.

       “We’re honored to be located in the Albert Brock Building on downtown Lockhart’s square, a space built in the early 1900s by one of the town’s founding visionaries,” Leigha said. “Surrounded by rich history and timeless charm, we’re proud to add a cozy, creative chapter to this iconic corner of Lockhart.”

   Step inside and you’ll find more than just shelves of handmade candles and local art; you’ll find a sense of warmth and inspiration. “Our space is more than just a shop, it’s a creative hub,” Ryan explained. “We host hands-on workshops in our micro-studio space, giving people a chance to tap into their creativity and try something new.”

     The Artisan House was born from a simple love of handmade goods and the process of creating them. What began as a personal passion for non-toxic candle making has blossomed into a thriving space where creativity and community come together. “We wanted to build a place where art feels approachable,” Leigha said. “Somewhere anyone can pop in, get inspired, and leave with something beautiful they made, or discovered.”

    The Artisan House specializes in handcrafted, refillable concrete candles and a curated collection of locally made items, all chosen with care.    “What sets us apart is the experience,” Ryan said. “We’re not just another gift shop featuring mass-produced goods. Every item here has a story, whether it’s hand-poured, hand-sculpted, or crafted by a local maker.”

   But the magic doesn’t stop at the merchandise. The couple have made creativity accessible to everyone through their workshops, which range from candle making to seasonal DIY projects. “Our workshops are about connection,” Leigha said. “We want people to feel comfortable exploring their creative side, no matter their skill level.”

   Being based in Lockhart plays a huge role in the spirit of The Artisan House. “Lockhart’s creative energy and small-town charm are a huge part of who we are,” Ryan said. “The community here truly supports small businesses and loves to show up for local makers and events. It’s the kind of town that makes ‘shop local’ more than just a phrase, it’s a way of life.”

   The couple regularly collaborates with other local artists and entrepreneurs, adding to the growing synergy of Lockhart’s downtown scene. “We feel lucky to be part of a community that values craftsmanship and creativity,” Leigha added.

   Like many small business owners, have faced their share of challenges, from market shifts to the ongoing downtown revitalization. “Finding the balance between creative vision and sustainability hasn’t always been easy,” Ryan admitted. “But every challenge has pushed us to be more innovative and community focused.”

   They’ve adapted by keeping things fresh, adding new seasonal products, experimenting with workshop ideas, and teaming up with other makers. “Each step forward has made us stronger and more connected to our mission,” Leigha said.

   As for what’s next, The Artisan House is just getting started. “We’re excited to keep growing our creative offerings, more workshops, more local artisans, and new handmade collections,” Ryan said. Customers can look forward to unique pop-in events, seasonal classes, and even more opportunities to make and shop one-of-a-kind pieces.

   “This new chapter is all about community, creativity, and connection,” Leigha said with a smile. “And we’re so happy Lockhart is part of it.”