I had a good feeling about Beehive Co-op even before I made my first visit this past week.

I was really intrigued by the “shop local” concept behind the new Mount Kisco store.

It’s a clever spin on the “eat local” movement so popularized by farmers’ markets and organic-food options.

Here, owner (and founder) Petra Geiger is putting the spotlight on good design, ideally from local designers.

That’s translated into quilts and pillows made by Lynn Milstein of Ossining,

earrings from Leslie Latto of LML D’ZYNZ of Croton-on-Hudson,

necklaces from Pam Older Designs of Larchmont, bracelets from Lisa Pelton’s apogee design of Mount Kisco

and hats and scarves for kids from Faiza Brown of Pleasantville.

Geiger, who founded and opened the original Beehive Co-op in Atlanta in 2004, has brought her concept north. The Toronto native, a onetime graphic designer and designer of handbags and aprons, relocated with her family to Croton-on-Hudson last year.

The plan was to eventually open up a second Beehive. (The original remains in Atlanta; a third is expected in Cincinnati soon).

When Geiger saw a vacant storefront in Mount Kisco, she decided to forge ahead a little sooner that she originally planned.

“Mount Kisco is perfect because it’s a real hub,” Geiger says.

Since it’s still early days — the shop opened about a month ago — right now Beehive reflects a mix of designers featured in the Atlanta store and a handful of regional artists.

“In the end of a year’s time, we want to be up to 75 percent local,” Geiger says. “We’re really looking for the best independent designers in the state.”

No matter the origin of the work, you will immediately sense the difference. It’s not mass-produced products but rather artistic work with singular style.

Take the jewelry of Jody Lyons. She’s a Brooklyn-based designer (with a weekend home in Cold Spring) known for the way she takes vintage findings and incorporates them into contemporary pieces, from brooches to barrettes.

Then, there are the handbags from Offhand Designs. This California company again offers a retro-influenced look, with limited edition velvet and brocade bags.

I also fell in love with the ceramic-based jewelry from Olaria Studio and designer Amy McClure.

There are even some ornaments by Olaria, too.

Here’s just a quick look around at the shop

and some of the other featured works, including bags by Sage Saks:

Jewelry by Fotini Designs in Astoria, N.Y.:

Really cute caps from Charm NYC:

Pillows from decaf plush:

Sweet little ponchos from felted heart:

and clothing from Umsteigen:

The shop will eventually expand, with Geiger open to all kinds of design from ceramics to items for men.

Designers rent space (and can work at the shop for reduced rent), building up a following while gathering professional experience and having a steady outlet for their work.

Geiger says Beehive ideally takes these designers to the next level, selling wholesale, for example.

“It’s kind of meant to be a middle ground,” she says.

Each artist is also encouraged to show items at a variety of prices— things range from $5 to $300 — to cultivate a clientele.

“If somebody can’t afford to take your best work, they can take a little piece of you,” she says she tells them.

And whatever they choose can be brought home in one of the shop’s eco bags ($12) that reminds you, naturally, to “shop local.”

If you stop in, say hi to Geiger:

Beehive Co-op is open from 10:30 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Mondays through Saturdays at 337 E. Main St.

Call 914-218-8700 or visit its Web site for more details.

————————-

Hope you enjoyed my visit to Beehive Co-op. A version of this blog posting will appear Monday in the Life & Style section of The Journal News — and here on LoHud.com — when Petra Geiger’s store is my next “Shop of the Week.”