Today we’d like to introduce you to Staci Egan.
Staci, we appreciate you taking the time to share your story with us today. Where does your story begin?
Smith and Front began as a husband-and-wife business run by Staci and David Egan. The shop opened in downtown Philipsburg in 2019 as an art studio, shop, and gallery. At the time, the goal was to find an affordable space with character—State College was too expensive, while Philipsburg offered the kind of large, inexpensive historic space that made the concept possible.
The original space was intentionally more than a traditional gift shop. It combined retail, artwork, handmade goods, and workshop/gallery space, with most products made by Staci and David. Staci made jewelry, while David created art from reclaimed wood.
The move to Bellefonte, PA
After almost two years in Philipsburg, Staci began looking for the next opportunity. Bellefonte stood out to her as an up-and-coming community with great potential for small businesses.
That led Smith and Front to the newly renovated Gamble Mill in 2021. The shop became the first retail tenant in the renovated mill, joining the restaurant, bar, and inn.
At the time, Staci described the move as an opportunity to create something new inside the historic building.
“I thought it would be pretty wonderful to start something from nothing… Now we are making history.”
The Gamble Mill location also helped Smith and Front evolve. The shop became increasingly known for its unique mix of locally made gifts, plants, plant accessories, stationery, candles, jewelry, and other hard-to-find treasures, while staying true to its identity as a little different from the other shops downtown.
Then came 126 S. Allegheny
After four years at the Gamble Mill, Smith and Front moved again in September 2025, this time to 126 S. Allegheny St. The new space is substantially larger—about 1,800 square feet compared with roughly 550 square feet at the Mill—and gave the business room to expand its plant selection, gifts, and hands-on plant services.
Today, Smith and Front is essentially the evolution of that original 2019 idea: an independent, slightly quirky gift shop that grew from an artist/maker-focused space into a plant-forward boutique featuring Pennsylvania artists, independent makers, and hard-to-find houseplants.
Would you say it’s been a smooth road, and if not what are some of the biggest challenges you’ve faced along the way?
Smith and Front originally opened in Philipsburg, in a large, affordable space that allowed you to combine retail and studio space. The challenge was that Philipsburg didn’t have the customer base or downtown momentum for long term success.
When we first arrived at the Gamble Mill in 2021, Smith and Front entered a completely new environment.
It was difficult to break into an established small-business community. We arrived in Bellefonte and found that there were already “cliques” among businesses and that it could be difficult to “get in.
Lastly, the Gamble Mill gave Smith and Front an incredible amount of visibility and helped establish the business in Bellefonte.
But the space was only about 550 square feet, compared with roughly 1,800 square feet at your current location.
That created a constant problem: we had more ideas than physical room.
It limited inventory, plants, workshops, displays and the kinds of experiences that could created.
Thanks – so what else should our readers know about your work and what you’re currently focused on?
Staci Egan is longtime independent maker, jewelry designer, retailer and entrepreneur who went from creating her own handcrafted jewelry through Contempo Jewelry to building Smith and Front into a distinctive independent retail and creative hub in Bellefonte.
CMA Awards gift bags: Staci’s wreath necklace, made with sterling silver wire, freshwater pearls and faceted jasper, was selected for CMA Awards gift bags. The jewelry was given to artists including Carrie Underwood, Taylor Swift and other country-music names.
Contempo Jewelry was sold at some West Elm and Bon Ton shops and worn at the Oscar awards.
What are your plans for the future?
We really want to make Bellefonte a destination. Put on more fun events and encourage creative people to set up shop in downtown Bellefonte.
Contact Info:
- Website: https://smithandfront.com
- Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/smithandfront/
- Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/smithandfront.gamblemill
