My Pastice Story: Adam

Sarah and I started our business taking professional pictures of people when we got married in 2009; but my photography journey started way before that with a Nikon Coolpix. I have always taken pictures of nature and have enjoyed getting out in God's creation and just marveling at His work.  At least half of all Saturdays in a year Sarah and I are off shooting a wedding and a couple days a week we take pictures of families or high-school seniors. Our work is comprised of people, which I love, but there has always been something special to me about sitting silently with my camera and just waiting for God to show me something.
A year ago this Saturday, some of my best friends opened an incredibly unique shop here in Lynchburg and they allowed me to put some of my work on their walls. Before then, my "hobby" work had only been hung on my walls and seen by my own family. I was nervous because it was my private work, my hobby, my creative outlet, now being displayed for all to judge and look at. 

To my surprise, people bought my images, people hung my work on their walls. They saw in my images what I saw the moment I originally captured it. My images are very special to me and so are the frames I make to go with them.  I will often make a frame with a specific picture in mind. I handmake all of the frames out of repurposed wood found here in Lynchburg. Most all of my images are taken here locally as well.

 

Over the past year, I have sold many of my images and frames at Pastiche at Main. I have learned a lot since the grand opening of Pastiche. For one, I learned how to properly make a picture frame. My first frame was made entirely with a circular saw and an antique drill in my basement. Now my frames are handmade in a shed dedicated just to building them. I now use about 10 tools to make every frame and they are much more precise and sturdy. 

 

I am forever grateful for Haley and Adam Pavao and the leap of faith they took opening a small business and allowing me to play a small part in it. If it were not for Pastiche at Main, my images would still be hiding in a folder on my hard-drive. Selling frames and images has allowed me to meet and collaborate with dozens of other local creatives and it has become much more than just a hobby.

 

*Adam's story was originally published on his blog,  Adam Mullins Photo.

My Pastiche Story: Shelby

 

 

Pastiche has meant the world to me and my business.

 

The fact that Haley Pavao believed in me and my work enough to want to include me in the 'hodgepodge of local creatives' was just the boost of confidence I needed to really believe in what I have to offer too. She went on to hire me to do her branding and I got to see one of my designs sit proudly on Main Street - a big moment in my freelance design career! Seeing people love my art prints and display them in their homes and gush over a hand-picked vintage item I'd collected, made my small business owner heart soar!

 

I opened my etsy shop {The Honeysuckle Shop} in 2011 and while I had success selling my vintage items, I was discouraged by the low sales of my art prints. On etsy, I'm lost in a sea of people who are selling their art prints, but at Pastiche I get to stand out and people get to see and feel my work in person and my prints have been my best seller every month! Nothing could be more encouraging to a designer than people loving your work.

 

This year, with the birth of my second son, I quit my day job to go full time as a freelance graphic designer and focus my efforts in Pastiche. It was a scary decision financially, but because of Pastiche, I am finding success in being a stay-at-home/work-at-home mom! This is a dream come true for me.

 

So, to Haley Pavao and her dream of a platform for local creatives and to all our loyal and loving customers, thank you from the bottom of my heart.

 

My Pastiche Story: Anthony

Pastiche at Main has been more than an avenue to sell really cool bow ties, it has given us an opportunity to truly start and grow a brand. Before joining the hodgepodge of talented creatives, Twenty23 was really in the infant stages and trying to find its identity. A lot of people didn't know about us or had never heard of us. How could two young men turn a really nostalgic product as a bow tie into something that men could be able to pass down through the generations? Better yet, how could those same young men create a company that would be taken seriously by the apparel industry?

With those questions being in the forefront, Pastiche at Main was God sent. The owners, Adam and Haley Pavao, helped not only answer our questions but our prayers. Of course, we could have begun with an online store, but it felt so much better to have established a local infrastructure for business. Pastiche at Main did that for us; they saved our business.

Besides, its not too professional to meet someone in a dark alley to sell them a really cool product. It's so much better to have a physical store that represents your brand even when you're not present.

~Anthony Andrews

Keep Pastiche Alive

A Note From Haley:

Pastiche at Main now houses 20+ Creatives from the Lynchburg area and is continually changing.  It is an exciting atmosphere filled with gifts, home decor, clothing, furniture, art, kid stuff, paper goods and so much more! 

Over the course of our first year the foot traffic had lessened and we have seen a drastic drop in sales.  Our store relies on our faithful customers and diligent Creatives to keep its doors open. The drastic decline in sales has resulted needed additional support from our community to “Keep Pastiche Alive”.  The proceeds from this campaign will help to secure the future of Pastiche at Main.  By supporting our shop, you are supporting a Firefighter, Graphic Designer, Jewelry Artist, School Teacher, Interior Designer, Administrator, Photographer, Mom, Dad, etc. Your generous gifts will directly support the future work of all our Creatives!

If you are fan of Pastiche At Main you have hopefully already seen the Keep Pastiche Alive campaign pop up in your Facebook or Twitter news feed (and hopefully you have shared). But in case you missed it make sure to check it out now. Your donation will help offset operation costs during slow months and as a Thank You the creatives have come together offer some unique perks. (Christmas gifts any one?!)  As you are making holiday shopping lists consider supporting not only the shop but the creatives spend countless hours making the unique items found there. 

Shop Small Business Saturday

The left overs have been eaten and the chaos of Black Friday is subsiding. Christmas lights are starting to go up and shopping lists are being fine tuned. All in time for Small Business Saturday.

In honor of this nation wide initiative to shop small and local the Saturday after Thanksgiving, Pastiche is offering 10% off store wide!

Post by Pastiche at Main.

Need more incentive to shop local tomorrow? Check out this info-graphic by the 3/50 Project on the impact of shopping local.

Meet the creative: The Goose Beary Shop

Name: Joy Niehaus
Brand/Company: The Goose Beary Shop

Tell us about your creative background. When I was pregnant with my oldest daughter I had to quit my job and stay off of my feet as much as possible. I was super bored so one day I talked my husband into taking me to a local quilt shop. I walked in and told the ladies I had no sewing machine and no sewing experience but I wanted to make something for my daughter. They walked me through how to hand piece a quilt. Sewing it together was pretty easy, but trying to quilt by hand was a pain so I borrowed my mother-in-law’s sewing machine. I loved it and a few months later my mom gave me a sewing machine for Christmas.Most of what I do is self-taught. I would spend hours on line searching for tutorials and patterns (this was before the days of pinterest).

How did you end up doing what you do now? When my oldest daughter was turning two I wanted to get her a Waldorf Doll for her birthday. I couldn’t afford one though so after hours and hours of reading vague tutorials online I bought some super cheap materials and made her one for her birthday. It was horrible! But we still have that silly goofy looking first dolly named “Annie”. 

After that first doll I was hooked. I probably made a dozen or so dolls out of cheap materials before I got up the courage to buy the really nice all natural materials and make my first true Waldorf Inspired doll. 

All the other things I sew have similar situations. I saw something I loved and couldn’t afford so I learned how to make it myself. I know try to price my items so that those who aren’t inclined to make their own can still afford quality handmade items. 

What is your favorite thing you have every created? I get attached to all of my dollies. I think the two things I loved the most are a mermaid I made for my daughter because she and I picked out the fabric and yarn together after she begged me to make her a mermaid. I had NO idea how to do it and I told her that. Her reply was “But you can make ANYTHING!” It gave me the ump to try something new. I also love a quilt I made for myself. 

Are you working on any new projects or learning any new techniques? I’m ALWAYS trying to grow and change and learn. My newest project is some beautiful bags that I’m hoping to have available soon. It had a lot of techniques I had never tried like recessed zippers and gussets. 

Where if your favorite place to create? It changes season to season. My sewing machine is currently in our basement so I can sew while the kids play. My favorite place to do hand work though is in a giant chair by our front window. 

What inspires you most? My kids and friends. Almost everything I have ever learned how to make is because someone sends me a picture and says “Can you make this?” I’m also really inspired by colors and patterns. My favorite part of creating is picking out fabric patterns and yarn colors and making something beautiful out of them. 

What is your creative soundtrack? This changes season to season as well. A lot of time I have a season of White Collar or Gilmore girls on in the back ground. Musically I listen to a lot of J.J. Heller. Pretty soon I will start listening to Christmas music as I prep for Holiday shows. 

What do you love most about what you do? I love making something beautiful for other people. My favorite part is when I get photos or emails from customers of a doll being loved on by a little one. It is hands down the highlight of what I do.

5 Vintage Things to Collect (on a budget!)

When it comes to collecting, we tend to think of the tchotchkes or knick-knacks that once cluttered the shelves of our grandparents. I get it! By default, I have been collecting things since I was a little girl. My mother started an antiques shop when I was five (I was being hauled around all over New England and the rest of the east coast scouring for antique things way before it was cool!), and I truly found a love for all things vintage and useful.

For some reason, when I am out and about thrifting at yard sales and antique markets, my eye always goes towards certain things, and yours may too! We all have those things that we love for whatever reason, and we are drawn to them. Fortunately for me, my collections don't include expensive art, large items or things that are easily breakable, and today I would like to share with you a few of my finds that are not only functional (for the most part!) but also affordable. So, here is a glimpse into the tiny little hoarding side of me.

1. Oven Serve Dishes - I adore these little dishes! Most of them are small, but I have pie plates, oval dishes, custard cups and a few bowls. For some reason the solid color with the raised floral pattern just attracts my eye. Plus, they can be stuck in the dishwasher and microwave (sparingly, as these were made way before microwave times), and they are sturdy little guys. I buy these any time I can find one under $3, although I have paid up to $8 for the large bowls that can hold a salad. I have found them for 25 cents, which makes my heart sing! They are great for butter or a scoop of ice cream, and since I have so many they are perfect for a buffet when you need to divide up condiments and such. Aren't they cute?

2. Vintage Candy Tins - Most of these guys are stamped with "Made in England" on the bottom, but they used to hold candy... what a beautiful presentation these once were! They are made of metal, and some have hinged lids. I love using them for all sorts of things. The green one holds some of my favorite nail polishes, and the pastel floral one actually holds our pocket change. There are so many uses for these in bathrooms, kitchens and even to beautifully organize an office space. I normally don't pay more than $3 for these, and I find them often at yard sales for 50 cents or a quarter. So fun! 

3. Pitchers - I really can't get enough of these little guys. I have considered weeding out my collection (you truly are only seeing a few pieces from each of my larger menageries), but they are so useful! Again, I have paid as little as 25 cents for these (all vintage) up to $2-$3 depending on how much I like the pattern. Some have absolutely no use, such as the tiny chef, but others are great for syrup (heat it up so it's not cold on your pancakes!), creamer and other functions. They don't take up a lot of space, and such a wide variety of small pitchers can be found out there. I also do have a small collection of larger pitchers, which are perfect for pouring beverages. 

4. Floral Pins - I will readily admit that I also have a cousin with very similar tastes that also collects these, so my eye is doubly on the lookout for them. They are so fun to wear as a "pop" of color or focal point on an outfit, but don't be afraid to put one on your purse or scarf. I have a much broader price range for these... again, the least I have paid is a quarter, but I have splurged and spent $8 (and even $18 for one that had mother of pearl insets) and up for them if they really speak to me. When you consider what a NEW piece of costume jewelry would cost nowadays, these really are a bargain, and their look is very endearing. 

5. Vintage Bags - Ok, okay, I'll admit it. Surely you have been impressed with my 25 cents to $3 range finds so far, right? Well, this category is definitely where I can put some money down! I adore formerly-loved purses, and I actually use them. The smaller ones are great for a night out, and I do have several larger purses that I utilize regularly (although I do have to be careful about wear and tear as some are fragile!). Price definitely varies on these. I found the purple-ish one at a yard sale for $1 (I couldn't get my money out fast enough, I was so excited!), but I purchased the brown one with the metal for $25 at a local estate sale... the closure was just something I hadn't seen before. Also, the start of my collection was the silver metal one that belonged to my grandmother. So special! 

* Bonus Collection - Vintage Globes - These are not something that I collect personally, but ever since my son (now 13!) was born I have been collecting globes for him. Most are small, metal banks, but he has quite a collection of them. One he has is a pencil sharpener, but you would never know it until you opened it up and looked inside. When he was young, I wanted to decorate his room with something that would last until adulthood, and I think I found just the thing! I have paid anywhere from $4-$15 for the pieces in his collection. Since they are vintage, it is fun to see countries that have changed names or aren't there any more. He even has a few globes in different languages. They add a pop of color and are just fun to look at in a room. 

Well, there you have it! Tell me, do you collect anything? Are you a purger, and you can't even stand the thought of collecting anything? I would love to know! If I am being honest, I would have to tell you that I excluded my collection of vintage dresses and paint-by-numbers paintings, but there's always another day. Happy collecting! 

Jennifer Prince is the dynamo behind the niche women's magazine, clutch. As an only child, she grew up immersed in the world of antique shopping, thrifting and expressing creativity. Now as a wife and mom, she writes about all things local both for her blog (Hill City Bride) and magazine. Join her as she discovers new and inspirational things for women! Special thanks goes out to Liz Cook of Sincerely, Liz: Photography for taking the lovely photographs of these collections. Check out more of Liz's work here.