FIELD NOTES

Before you ran Casa Shop full time, you had a career in fashion. What originally drew you to working in fashion and how did you get your start?
I was always interested in clothes and it seemed like a fun career path. I didn’t have design skills so I decided the business side of fashion was the better path for me. I became an associate buyer for Need Supply out of college and it had its glamorous moments but lots of monotonous computer work too.

You currently run Casa Shop and Casa Rare, selling unique vintage objects and jewellery. Where did your interest in vintage objects begin and how did Casa Shop come about?
It began in Arkansas when I would visit my mom’s antique booth she had there. I spent time running around the shop and I think it had an influence on me. Richmond has a vast amount of thrift stores so in my college years I spent a lot of time frequenting them. Eventually, I amassed a collection of vases and other interesting objects and decided to try a little Instagram shop.

What is your approach to dressing the space you live in?
Cozy. I want friends to come over and feel very comfortable - and I want to come home at the end of the day and feel relaxed. My space is very neutral with pops of my favorite color, green. Lots of wood pieces and texture.

What is your most treasured find and its story?
I’ve unfortunately let go of a lot of my favorite finds to the shop. One piece I haven’t been able to part with is a Brancusi style sculpture. I commissioned someone to make it for the shop and ended up keeping it - it’s been through a few moves with me. Also a sculpture I bought from an artist for the shop - it broke in two pieces during transit and I love it. One piece is in our bedroom and the other in our living room.

Are there key objects and furniture in your space that create the feeling of homeliness or comfort?
I have a small obsession with one-of-a-kind glassware and ceramics. I think pieces like this make our place feel more like ‘home’ than just run-of-the-mill glassware from Target or wherever. I’ve also sourced a lot of vintage pieces like chairs, lamps and artwork. I think having pieces in your home no one else does makes it your own place.

Is there a particular part of your home that you love most? If so, why?
Our living room. We moved in this July so most of the house is still in the process of decoration. The living room is pretty much finished and feels very inviting.

During your down time at home, where do you spend most of your time?
The living room couch or my bed.

Do you have certain people or references that you return to, to be inspired?
I like to peruse Pinterest or go through my Instagram saved photos. We also sell a lot of art books in the shop and I try to read through them before they are gone.

How do you enjoy creating ambience at home?
Candles! I’m almost always burning candles - we sell Maison Balzac glassware in the shop but I always order their candles for myself. ‘Le Bois’ and ‘Sainte T’ are my favorite. I also love Maison Louis Marie and a friend recently introduced me to Mad et Len - they are divine.

Where is your favourite place to be in the world, and what do you love to do there?
Beaches in Mexico, Greece or anywhere really. Sipping a mezcal cocktail (when I’m not pregnant) and sunbathing.

What are you currently reading?
The Fourth Trimester. Preparing for my first baby, due this January.

What’s the best piece of advice you’ve ever received?
You are who you surround yourself with.

When do you feel most yourself?
Around my family and close friends.

What are you hopeful for?
A healthy, happy baby.

How do you stay grounded?
Meditation and Barre classes. I recently began practicing a 5 minute meditation every morning - I’m hoping to work up to a 20 minute daily practice.

What do you do to unwind?
Baths and watching movies/tv with my husband.