It’s a well documented fact that I love to shop. A power shopper you might say. But there is a significant difference between simply finding a new thing and going on a treasure hunt.
That difference starts with what you find at a big box store vs. a small business. As the success of Etsy proves there is a massive universe of Makers out there. But unlike Etsy, the store owner takes on the most challenging of rolls. They are often as interesting, if not more so, than the pieces they discover. The shopkeeper is the ultimate curator, brave enough to put their own economic welfare on the line in support of their passion. That is truly admirable and something that deserves the utmost respect, and even more importantly, our support. And I’m not just saying that because my family once owned its own small store in Seattle!
My passion for boutiques is why I’m excited to launch Retail Therapy; a new series profiling of shops that are doing extraordinary things. While it’s tempting to selfishly keep a great discovery under the radar, I know that the more people support their local boutiques, the longer they’ll be around for all of us to enjoy!
It only feels appropriate to kick things off with a local San Francisco find: Louesa Rosebuck. The “Foraged and Gleaned” flora shop is completely out of the ordinary. You’re not going to find a dozen roses here.
Nestled in Hayes Valley {right next to In Bed in fact} Louesa is where you go when you’re looking for amazing magonlia blooms, unique quince blossoms and massive hand forged concrete vases from a potter in Marin {above. I’m so coveting!}.
The purveyor of stunning blooms and a menagerie of unique finds, Louesa Rosebuck, embodies the eclectic feeling of her store. Her background is in fashion, retail and styling having worked for Bay-Area designer Erica Tanov and having her own East-Bay boutique for year. She’s one of those people that seems to know anyone who is doing anything interesting! Now Louesa has an amazing network of foragers all around the Bay that she works with to find her plants {did you know there was such a thing! I consider myself educated}. But from textiles, to ceramics, to one of kind jewelry, you know you’re going to find something covetable every time you walk in her door.
I know I’ll regularly be checking in on Louesa’s newest finds! I hope if you’re in San Francisco or are visiting you will too.
Can’t wait to discover the next Retail Therapy destination {I’m lookin’ at you NYC!!!}.
photography by me {& one from courtney} for apartment 34!
