December 18, 2025
By Eve Copeland

For six years, The Humble Crate, Artisan Marketplace has been more than a shop in the heart of Olde Pickerington—it has been a reflection of its owner, Janis Francis. Warm, creative, community-centered, and always ready with a smile, Janis built a space that became a gathering place as much as a marketplace.

Now, after years of juggling real estate, community leadership roles, and the daily demands of a bustling artisan shop, Janis is stepping into a new chapter—and entrusting the future of her beloved store to someone who shares her passion for local artisans.

“I’ve been stretched a little too thin.” Francis laughs when she explains the decision.

“I’ve been a full-time Realtor with RE/MAX since 1997,” she said. “Since opening the shop in 2019, I’ve juggled real estate and the store, plus serving as president of the Pickerington Village Association and on the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce board. Something had to give.”

Even though the choice was difficult, she knew it was the right time.

“As my terms end on the boards, I’m stepping back and letting others do it. I’ve enjoyed serving our community so much, but I need to breathe a little.”

A shop built on relationships

For Francis, what she’ll miss most is the people.

Many of The Humble Crate’s vendors first met her when she managed the Olde Pickerington Farmers’ Market from 2017–2019 and have been with her since the shop opened.

“I’ll miss seeing them. I’ll miss the sense of community here,” she said. “My customers know each other. We end up in whole-shop conversations. And hearing people hum along to my classic rock playlist always brought me joy.”

She’ll also miss sitting on the bench out front, waving at the steady stream of people calling, “Hey Janis!” as they drove by.

“I may have some serious FOMO for a while,” she says, grinning, “but real estate, my house, my dogs, and family will keep me busy.”

The decision was practical but also emotional.

“After deciding, I went through guilt and sadness. Almost like the stages of grief,” Francis shared.

With more than 50 vendors relying on the shop, she felt enormous pressure to find the right person to carry it forward. Then, one day, the right person said, “yes”.

A perfect successor

When longtime vendor and familiar Farmers’ Market face Ashley Cirotto, owner of PickTown Bakery, learned that The Humble Crate might close, she felt the same heartbreak many customers expressed.

But unlike most, she felt something else too—a pull.

“Without really thinking, I jumped,” Cirotto said.

She first met Francis years ago, when her sourdough hobby was just turning into a small business. Francis gave her one of her earliest opportunities, helping her find a path into the Farmers’ Market and, eventually, into the shop itself.

Cirotto will reopen the store by mid January as PickTown Marketplace, keeping the spirit of local artisans alive while bringing her own touch.

She plans to keep existing vendors while welcoming some new artisans. Throughout the year, the shop will host sourdough classes (with bread and dough to take home), paint nights, and community events.

Cirotto, her husband Matthew, and their two boys have called Pickerington home for six years. She volunteers in the schools and loves helping others.

“There’s no such thing as being too nice,” she said. “What you put into the world matters.”

When Cirotto agreed to take over, Francis felt an enormous sense of peace.

“My guilt subsided,” she said. “I’m still a little melancholy but finally looking forward.”

Kim Barlag, president of the Pickerington Chamber of Commerce spoke highly of Francis.

“It’s hard to imagine Pickerington Village without Janis Francis and her shop, Humble Crate,” Barlag said. “Janis welcomed everyone who walked through her door with a smile and genuine kindness. And her shop has been a bright spot in the heart of Pickerington. While we will miss her presence in the Village, we are grateful for her dedication to Pickerington and the lasting impact she has made on our community.”

Barlag went on to say that she was happy “to see there will be a seamless transition in keeping our Village business community vibrant and thriving. There are a lot of exciting things happening here, and I can’t wait to see what’s next.”

Francis says she’s incredibly grateful for every customer, vendor, and friend who has walked through the door.

“It’s humbling hearing how much people love the shop and will miss me. I’ve tried to create the kind of small-town store I would want to visit. I hope children remember coming here and being offered a sucker. I hope people remember the feeling.”

And though she’s stepping back from the shop, Francis isn’t disappearing. She’ll remain active with the Pickerington Area Chamber of Commerce and the Pickerington Village Association while continuing her career in real estate.

A heartfelt farewell

The Humble Crate may be changing names, but the heart Francis poured into it will stay. In every vendor she supported, every community moment shared. She hands the keys to Cirotto with confidence and a full heart.

The Humble Crate will be open every day through Dec. 24.
Hours: approximately 11 a.m.–6 p.m. daily
Christmas Eve: closing early, around 1 p.m.