How much fun can three women
have while working? Too much fun! The Hens just completed a weekend jaunt down
to southern California to meet up with some of our dealers and distribute rack
cards and posters for our May 2 & 3 show. Popping into dealers’ homes and
scoping out what they are working on always gets us excited about what they’ll
bring to our show. And peeking in at their amazing décor is always a perk! So
many talented people!
Our first stop was at Déjà VuAntiques at The Loading Dock in Orcutt, where Wendy Steller has her wonderful
shop. It is always a treat to visit with our good friend Wendy and check out
what new treasures her dealers are selling. Several of her dealers are in our
show and it is always fun to peek into their booths.
Kathy, Wendy and Carrie at Deja Vu Antiques in Orcutt
Next up was Industry Home in
Santa Barbara, which is a must-see! Kate Hernandez’ shop is a one of a kind
experience featuring many creations made by her sons, The Brothers of Industry.
The talent in that family is colossal! And it doesn’t hurt that they are the
nicest people in the world either.
Ventura is always a favorite
stop for us. Lavender Blue is an amazing store with some outstanding dealers
including our own amazing dealer and longtime friend, Victoria Stoehr. Store
owner Mary is a delight and so much fun to gab with. Right next door to Lavender
Blue is a fairly new shop called American Home & Garden. Definitely two
shops worth stopping for.
Victoria Stoehr's booth at Lavender Blue in Ventura
Another of our favorite
stops is The Rusty Bucket in Camarillo, owned and operated by dealers Chuck and
Patty Hano Hano. This husband and wife team manages to collect and sell the
most amazing authentic early American primitives, Native American art and unusual
vintage pieces. We are always amazed at what is in their shop and what they
bring to sell at our shows.
One thing we always make
sure to do is to ask our owners and dealers about other stores and new finds
that they recommend. We hit the jackpot on this trip and visited four amazing stores
that were new to us! Farmhouse Comforts and Hoot N’ Anny Home in Westlake Village were great finds. Kelly of Farmhouse Comforts was
so fun and we had a ball shopping her store for everything from hats to
tabletop décor to linen spray. Jennifer’s shop, Hoot N’ Anny, was another
visual delight. Her sophisticated sense of style and use of organic textures
makes you want to move right in!
Susi, Carrie, Kelly Laurenzi and Kathy at her shop Farmhouse Comforts in Westlake Village
Our nightcap after a long day visiting shops and dealers!
Simi Valley had two stores
that we were thrilled to find. The first is Aubergine Emporium. Proprietress Pat and her
tremendous group of talented dealers display and sell in a beautifully laid out
shop. Nearby is the Shop Around the Corner, featuring a large group of dealers
with nicely curated booths. With a wonderful dinner, a lovely hotel room and a
gin or two, we Hens put another road trip behind us. Can’t wait to go back and
visit everyone again!
The Hens
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