Collaborative art marketplace ASTRA debuts on MLK in downtown St. Pete

Vintage furniture, thrift finds, tarot card decks, and handmade jewelry curated by St. Pete artists have found a home inside a new marketplace.

Cassie Mrotek, founder of ASTRA Aromatherapy, has opened ASTRA & Friends, an art consignment shop at 242 Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. Street North.

The storefront was previously occupied by Central Oak Barber Co., which relocated two doors down to vegan grocer Black Radish's old space.

"I want to support all the people and friends I have met over the years and made me feel welcomed by helping them succeed with their art," said Mrotek, who held a soft opening for ASTRA & Friends on April 14th.

"Many artists can't manage overhead costs, and some couldn't continue to afford the increased rent for their brick-and-mortar stores. ASTRA & Friends allows them to still have that physical storefront presence."

The new space is next door to Culture Shock, an oddity shop and tattoo studio, and Retrotiques, a shop that sells mid-century furniture and vintage toys.

Mrotek, who's friends with Central Oak Barber Co. owner Jai Parry, has kept the barbershop's mirrors and has listed the old decor for sale. The proceeds directly go to Parry.

"I've been working towards this for four years, and I want to honor the people who were in this space before me," Mrotek said.

Mrotek previously leased space in the Grand Central District, featuring artwork from only a handful of artists.

The new space allows her to house goods and pieces from over a dozen creatives, including pieces from renowned St. Pete artist and muralist Chad Mize.

The shop includes carved wooden bowls and Bohemian-styled furniture from Free Bear Vintage, illustrative art from Chain Assembly, and miniature succulents from O'Berry's Succulents.

Artists can swap out and rotate their available products.

The shelves are also stocked with Mrotek's self-care goods and essential oils, which she sells to wholesalers.